Kofi Inkoom
After opting for unrestricted free agency by declining his player option, Thomas Bryant is returning to the Miami Heat on a one-year contract, according to Marc Stein of SteinLine.
The deal is expected to be a veteran minimum, which saves the Heat about $1 million after Bryant previously opted out for the 2024-25 season, as per Ira Windermann.
The Heat had initially signed Bryant last summer to be Bam Adebayo’s backup at the center position, but the partnership didn’t pan out as expected, leading Bryant to decline his player option. However, with his return, he’s anticipated to resume his role as Adebayo’s backup next season.
Last season, Bryant averaged 5.7 points and 3.7 rebounds in just 11.6 minutes per game over 38 appearances. The Heat, with Bryant, made it to the playoffs but were eliminated by the Boston Celtics in the first round.
Miami is still expected to be active in the market and has been linked with DeMar DeRozan from the Bulls.