The Golden State Warriors planned to target Indiana Pacers centre Thomas Bryant during future NBA free agency.
The $2.8 million annual value bound to Bryant’s current contract will expire because he possesses unrestricted free agent status following the upcoming season.
Empire Sports reporter Matthew Legros has believed the Warriors need a solid player capable of defending the paint and demonstrating athletic abilities near the basket.
Draymond Green recently took up centre responsibilities on the team although Trayce Jackson-Davis has also seen playing time at this position. Bryant stands above Jackson-Davis and he regarding athletic abilities.
Bryant joined the NBA during his eighth season where he represented the Los Angeles Lakers followed by playing for the Washington Wizards then Denver Nuggets followed by Miami Heat before joining the Pacers.
The Indiana team made a trade with the Heat to get Bryant when they lost their centres following multiple season-long injuries.
Throughout 2024/25 season, the centre player enters games as a substitute to record 6.9 points and 4.1 assists.
The Warriors plan ahead for their next centre acquisition during free agency but their current season may still produce successful outcomes.
Butler’s acquisition during the trade deadline pushed Golden State into the eighth position of the table.
A positive tide in their season could lead Golden State to dream about moving directly to the playoffs.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, even the star’s attitude changed when he arrived in San Francisco.
“He’s different this time around. I didn’t get the same feeling from him that he had when he went to the Philadelphia 76ers or the Heat. So he’s staying later for warm-up shots,” Charania said.
“He’s staying later for practice and spending more time in physical therapy. So that’s different for Jimmy Butler,” Charania added.
