Unfortunate Thomas Bryant Update Comes with a Silver Lining for Pacers Fans

The Indiana Pacers’ 2025 offseason has been a rollercoaster of roster adjustments, contract negotiations, and injury updates, but one development has sparked both concern and cautious optimism among fans: the status of center Thomas Bryant. Recently, reports surfaced that Bryant, who was waived by the Miami Heat and briefly linked to the New York Knicks, will not be joining either team, leaving his NBA future uncertain. For Pacers fans, this update is a blow, as Bryant was a key piece of their 2024-25 playoff run, but it comes with a silver lining: the opportunity for younger players like Isaiah Jackson and Jarace Walker to step into larger roles. This article explores the circumstances surrounding Bryant’s departure, why the Knicks passed on him, and how the Pacers can turn this setback into a long-term advantage.

Thomas Bryant’s Journey with the Pacers

Thomas Bryant, a 6’10” center drafted 42nd overall by the Utah Jazz in 2017, joined the Pacers in the 2023 offseason after stints with the Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, and Miami Heat. Known for his floor-spacing ability and hustle, Bryant quickly became a fan favorite in Indiana. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 8.7 points and 5.2 rebounds in 18.3 minutes per game, shooting 38.1% from three and 87.2% from the free-throw line. His role as a backup to Myles Turner was critical, providing rim protection and offensive versatility during the Pacers’ run to the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals.

Bryant’s standout moment came in Game 3 against the New York Knicks, where he posted a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double off the bench, helping the Pacers secure a crucial victory. His ability to stretch the floor complemented Tyrese Haliburton’s playmaking, while his energy on the glass gave Indiana a physical edge. However, Bryant’s season was marred by a late-season ankle sprain that sidelined him for the final three games of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, where the Pacers fell in five games.

The Unfortunate Update: Bryant’s Free Agency Woes

In June 2025, the Miami Heat waived Bryant to create cap space, a move that surprised many given his contributions as a reliable rotation player. The Pacers, who held his Bird rights, initially expressed interest in re-signing him but faced financial constraints due to their commitments to Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Aaron Nesmith. With Myles Turner’s contract situation unresolved and the team prioritizing younger talent, Indiana opted not to match offers for Bryant, effectively letting him test the free-agent market.

Rumors swirled that the New York Knicks, fresh off their own playoff run, were a potential landing spot for Bryant. The Knicks, seeking depth behind Karl-Anthony Towns, reportedly considered Bryant for a minimum deal. However, recent reports from NBA insider Marc Stein indicate that the Knicks have passed on Bryant, focusing instead on younger prospects and veteran minimum contracts for players like Precious Achiuwa. This development leaves Bryant in limbo, with no clear NBA destination as training camps approach.

For Pacers fans, the news is disheartening. Bryant’s chemistry with Haliburton and his ability to play both the four and five positions made him a valuable asset. His departure creates a void in the frontcourt, especially with Turner’s free agency looming and Isaiah Jackson’s injury history. Yet, there’s a silver lining: the opportunity for Indiana’s young core to step up and reshape the team’s future.

Why the Knicks Passed on Bryant

The Knicks’ decision to bypass Bryant stems from several factors. First, their frontcourt is already crowded with Towns, Achiuwa, and Mitchell Robinson, leaving limited minutes for another center. Bryant’s skill set, while versatile, overlaps with Towns’ ability to shoot from deep, and his defensive limitations—particularly against elite bigs like Nikola Jokić or Joel Embiid—may have deterred New York. Additionally, the Knicks are prioritizing cost-effective deals to stay below the second apron of the luxury tax, and Bryant’s expected salary demands (likely above the veteran minimum) didn’t align with their financial strategy.

The Knicks’ pass on Bryant also reflects a broader trend in the 2025 free-agent market, which has been described as “historically dry” by ESPN’s Bobby Marks. With few teams holding significant cap space, players like Bryant, who are solid but not star-level, are struggling to find lucrative deals. This market dynamic has forced Bryant to consider overseas options or a potential return to the G League, a tough pill to swallow for a player who was a key contributor on a Finals team.

The Silver Lining: Opportunity for Young Talent

While losing Bryant stings, it opens the door for the Pacers’ young frontcourt players to shine. Two players, in particular, stand to benefit: Isaiah Jackson and Jarace Walker. Both have shown flashes of potential but have been overshadowed by veterans like Turner and Bryant. With Bryant gone and Turner’s future uncertain, the 2025-26 season could be a breakout year for these prospects.

Isaiah Jackson: The Athletic Rim Protector

Isaiah Jackson, a 2021 first-round pick, has been a tantalizing prospect for the Pacers. At 6’10” with a 7’2” wingspan, Jackson’s athleticism and shot-blocking ability make him a defensive force. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 6.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in just 13.8 minutes per game. However, injuries and inconsistent playing time have slowed his development. With Bryant out of the picture, Jackson could slide into the primary backup center role, potentially earning 20-25 minutes per night.

Jackson’s potential impact was evident in the 2025 playoffs, where he averaged 2.1 blocks per game in limited minutes against the Knicks. His ability to protect the rim and finish lobs from Haliburton makes him a natural fit in Indiana’s fast-paced system. If Jackson can stay healthy and improve his offensive polish—particularly his free-throw shooting (68.3% in 2024-25)—he could become a cornerstone of the Pacers’ frontcourt.

Jarace Walker: The Versatile Forward

Jarace Walker, the eighth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, is another player poised to benefit from Bryant’s departure. At 6’8” with a 7’2” wingspan, Walker offers positional versatility, capable of playing both forward spots and small-ball five. In his second season, he averaged 5.2 points and 3.1 rebounds while shooting 40.1% from three, showing promise as a two-way player. However, his development has been hampered by a crowded rotation, with veterans like Siakam and Nesmith commanding minutes at the three and four.

Walker’s potential breakout was hinted at during the 2025 preseason, where he showcased improved ball-handling and playmaking. With Bryant gone, coach Rick Carlisle could experiment with Walker at the four alongside Turner or Jackson, creating a dynamic, switchable frontcourt. Walker’s ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions aligns with the modern NBA’s emphasis on versatility, making him a potential X-factor for the Pacers.

Strategic Implications for the Pacers

The Pacers’ decision to let Bryant walk reflects a broader strategy: prioritizing youth and flexibility. With Haliburton locked in as the franchise cornerstone and Nesmith emerging as a 3-and-D star, Indiana is betting on its young core to carry the team forward. The 2025-26 season, with or without Turner, will be a proving ground for Jackson and Walker, who could form a frontcourt tandem for the next decade.

Financially, moving on from Bryant helps the Pacers stay below the luxury tax threshold, preserving cap space for potential extensions for Andrew Nembhard or Bennedict Mathurin. The team’s depth at guard—featuring Haliburton, Nembhard, and Mathurin—complements the emerging frontcourt, creating a balanced roster capable of competing in the Eastern Conference.

Moreover, Bryant’s departure allows Carlisle to experiment with new lineups. A small-ball unit featuring Haliburton, Mathurin, Nesmith, Walker, and Jackson could maximize spacing and athleticism, overwhelming opponents in transition. While this lineup may struggle defensively against bigger teams like the Philadelphia 76ers or Milwaukee Bucks, it aligns with the Pacers’ identity as a fast-paced, high-scoring squad.

Challenges Ahead

The silver lining of Bryant’s departure comes with risks. Jackson’s injury history—he missed 23 games in 2024-25 due to knee and ankle issues—raises concerns about his durability. Walker, while promising, is still raw, with questions about his consistency and decision-making. If both players fail to step up, the Pacers could struggle to replace Bryant’s production, especially in playoff matchups against physical bigs.

Additionally, Turner’s free agency looms large. If he departs, the Pacers will rely heavily on Jackson as the starting center, a role he’s yet to prove he can handle for a full season. The team could also explore the trade market or sign a veteran minimum big like JaVale McGee to bolster depth, but such moves carry their own uncertainties.

The Bigger Picture: Bryant’s Legacy and the Pacers’ Future

For Thomas Bryant, the 2025 offseason is a setback but not the end of his NBA journey. At 28 years old, he remains a capable big man with a proven track record. Teams like the Toronto Raptors or Charlotte Hornets, who are rebuilding and have cap flexibility, could take a flyer on him. Alternatively, a stint overseas or in the G League could help Bryant rebuild his value for a 2026 return.

For the Pacers, Bryant’s departure is a bittersweet moment. His contributions to their 2025 Finals run won’t be forgotten, but the opportunity to develop Jackson and Walker could define the franchise’s next era. If either player emerges as a star, the Pacers could look back on this offseason as a pivotal moment in their rebuild. For now, fans can take solace in the silver lining: a chance for Indiana’s young core to shine.

The news that neither the Knicks nor the Pacers will retain Thomas Bryant is a tough pill for Indiana fans to swallow, but it comes with a silver lining that could shape the team’s future. By opening the door for Isaiah Jackson and Jarace Walker, the Pacers are betting on youth to carry them forward. While challenges remain, the potential for a dynamic, versatile frontcourt offers hope for another deep playoff run. As the 2025-26 season approaches, all eyes will be on Indiana’s young bigs to see if they can turn this unfortunate update into a springboard for success.