Thomas Bryant is taking his talents to South Beach. The former Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, and Washington Wizards center agreed to a two-year, $5.4 million deal with the Miami Heat, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Three years ago, Thomas Bryant appeared on a trajectory for stardom. Playing with the Washington Wizards during the 2020-21 season, Bryant started on pace for a career year. However, a torn ACL 10 games into the season changed the direction of his NBA career.
Bryant signed a three-year, $25 million contract extension ahead of the 2019-20 season with the Wizards. In his first year under the new deal, he looked great with 13.2 points and 7.2 rebounds through 46 games before the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
The following season he seemed even better. He averaged a career-high 14.3 points, and shot 64.8% from the field, including 42.9% from three. But he suffered a partially torn ACL in his left knee. The devastating injury occurred on January 9, 2021, coincidentally against the Heat.
Bryant rehabbed his injured knee with a contract year ahead of him the following season. He returned to the Wizards. However, he averaged 7.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 16.3 minutes while being limited to 27 games. Certainly not what he wanted going into free agency.
The Wizards moved on ultimately, and Bryant returned to his roots, signing a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Flashing back, Bryant started his NBA career with the Lakers in 2017. Despite being named to the All-G-League first team as a rookie, the Lakers waived him, allowing him to sign with the Wizards.
But now Bryant was mature on the court (thanks to the Wizards’ development) and gave the Lakers much-needed size behind All-Star Anthony Davis.
Bryant played his role well and was an integral piece filling in for an injured Davis. Bryant averaged 12.1 points and 6.8 rebounds in 21.4 minutes in 41 games. He made 25 starts in Davis’ absence. However, with Davis returning healthy and the Lakers making moves for a playoff push, Davis reportedly grew frustrated with his role decreased.
Bryant asked out, and the Lakers granted his wish, sending him to the Nuggets before the trade deadline in February.
The Rocky Mountains didn’t present Bryant with the opportunity he wanted. He played fewer minutes, 11.4 per game, and appeared in 18 games sitting behind two-time NBA All-Star Nikola Jokic.
When the playoffs came around, Bryant became relegated to an observer. Denver’s head coach Mike Malone shrunk his rotation, and Bryant did not appear in a single playoff game during the Nuggets’ run to winning the NBA Finals.
The Nuggets defeated the Heat in five games during the Finals to capture the franchise’s first NBA title. Despite not playing, Bryant celebrated in style with his teammates. His one-year gamble didn’t pay as much as he may have liked. But, now he gets to play in South Beach and learn from the well-respected Heat culture.
Thomas Bryant figures to back up All-Star center Bam Adebayo. He will also get to play with six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler. If all goes well, Bryant can re-establish his career with a significant role with Miami.
Bryant can also be interchangeable with Adebayo. Bryant can stretch the floor. He has shot at least 42.9% from three-point range in three of the last four seasons. He can also play in the post, shooting 59.8% from the field during his six-year career.
Miami gives him a two-year window to restore his value. Hopefully, things work out for the versatile big man. Thomas Bryant will enter the next season at the ripe age of 26 years old.
