Thomas Bryant, a stretch four/five, was a critical depth piece for the Indiana Pacers, who took the NBA Champions Oklahoma City Thunder to seven games last season, will now be donning the wine and gold.

Shams Charania of ESPN reported it earlier this afternoon after Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson and general manager Koby Altman spoke to the media.

Bryant, a nine-year veteran, brings a wealth of experience, having won an NBA Title with the Denver Nuggets in 2023. Apart from the Pacers and the Nuggets, he’s also played with the Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, as well as the Miami Heat.

He had played a critical role last season in the Eastern Conference Finals, where he made three out of four 3-pointers against the New York Knicks, and ultimately secured the Eastern Conference Championship.

You know what you’re going to get out of Bryant. He’s a solid player who can eat up 15 minutes per game while star centers Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen are getting a rest.

Last season, Cleveland had struggled to find legitimate front court depth. Beyond Mobley and Allen, it turned to Tristan Thompson who is past his prime, and traded away Georges Niang.

For the 2025 season, there’s finally some solid frontcourt depth. The Cavs had already brought in veteran Larry Nance Jr., who is coming off a solid year with the Atlanta Hawks, and now Bryant.

Cleveland also has Dean Wade coming back who can serve as a solid power forward who has the ability to space the floor with his outside shooting.

For a team like the Cavaliers, who are trying to get to that next level, a piece like Bryant can certainly help. 

Don’t expect Bryant to break down the walls. He’s not the double digit scoring forward that he used to be when he was with the Wizards. But he’s proven that he can be a reliable option.

Either way, the Eastern Conference is anyone’s game since the Pacers will miss star guard, Tyrese Haliburton for the 2025-26 season. From the looks of it, it looks like it’ll be the Cavs and the Knicks who battle for Eastern Conference supremacy.

Altman seems to be really excited about the group that he’s put together, and is confident that they can make a championship run. 

And now, by adding one of the league’s better depth pieces, Cleveland is taking another step forward to his prophecy.