Yahoo Sports: Your Ultimate Destination for the Latest Scores and Highlights

Thomas Bryant is returning to Indiana — but let's make sure he’s wrapped in bubble wrap for the journey!

The Indiana Pacers have been looking everywhere for a backup center after both James Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson went down for the season with torn Achilles. They found their man in Bryant, the former Indiana Hoosier, who is reportedly headed back to the state after getting traded there by the Miami Heat,

a story broken by Shams Charania of ESPN

The trade can't be finalized until Sunday, Dec. 15, when Bryant becomes trade-eligible (as do 84 other players who signed or extended contracts this summer). Indiana has a roster spot open so it doesn't need to make another move.

Bryant is in his eighth NBA season, having bounced around the league primarily as a reserve. He's played in 10 games this season for Miami backing up Bam Adebayo, Kevin Love and Kel'el Ware.

Bryant should get more run in Indiana, where injuries have left things thin behind Myles Turner. Bryant is recognized more for his offense, he had three seasons in Washington averaging double-digits scoring, and did the same in 41 games for the Lakers in 2022-23 (Los Angeles traded him to Denver that season, with Mo Bamba coming to L.A.). Bryant is a career 35.5% shooter from 3, albeit on a low volume.

Bryant gets a little more run in Indy and fills a need for them, this could be a win-win opportunity.