Ex Pacers, Indiana Basketball Standout Thomas Bryant in 'Advanced' Talks Overseas

Former Indiana men's basketball and eight-year NBA center Thomas Bryant is expected to further his career in Greece.

Indiana Hoosiers center Thomas Bryant holds the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers in the first half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. | Amber Searls-Imagn Images

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — After his star brightened during the Indiana Pacers' run to the NBA Finals, former Indiana men's basketball center Thomas Bryant is reportedly close to heading overseas.

Bryant is in "advanced negotiations" with Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos, according to TeleSport, and is nearing a contract worth $3 million annually. European site BasketFaul added that Bryant "will wait for offers from the NBA until the last moment."

Panathinaikos previously pursued Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas, but the Nuggets blocked the move. Bryant, subsequently, became the team's top candidate to start at center, per TeleSport.

Bryant, who turns 28 years old July 31, appeared in 56 games for the Pacers this past season. He averaged 6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds while playing 15.1 minutes per game. His biggest highlight came in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, scoring 11 points in 13 minutes while going 3-for-4 shooting from beyond the arc.

A PAIR OF HUGE THOMAS BRYANT TRIPLES 🎯🎯

Caitlin Clark showing her respect after Indy's 9-2 run in Game 6👀 pic.twitter.com/5RmHx4vicz

— NBA (@NBA) June 1, 2025

The 6-foot-10, 248-pound Bryant played at Indiana from 2015-17. A starter in all 69 appearances, Bryant averaged 12.2 points and 6.6 rebounds per game while shooting 59.2% from the field and 37.3% from 3-point range in two seasons with the Hoosiers.

Since going undrafted in 2017, Bryant has carved out a lengthy NBA career. He spent his rookie season with the Los Angeles Lakers, and he found longevity with the Washington Wizards, whom he stayed with from 2018-2022.

Bryant played for the Lakers and Nuggets during the 2022-23 season, and he joined the Miami Heat for the 2023-24 campaign. In December, the Heat traded Bryant to the Pacers, who often utilized him as a reserve big man.

Now, barring a late offer from an NBA team, Bryant appears poised to leave the United States for the first time in his basketball career.

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