Veteran NBA center Thomas Bryant, currently a free agent and most recently a reserve for the Indiana Pacers, is reportedly close to finalizing a move overseas.
According to a report from TeleSport (Twitter link; hat tip to Kevin Martorano of Sportando), Bryant is nearing an agreement to join Panathinaikos, one of the most prominent basketball clubs in Greece.
Standing 6-foot-10 and a product of the University of Indiana, Bryant was traded from the Miami Heat to the Pacers during the previous NBA season.
The move came in response to a string of injuries suffered by Indiana’s frontcourt, as both James Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson sustained Achilles tendon tears early on.
Bryant filled the void with solid production, appearing in 56 games and contributing averages of 6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.5 blocks, and 0.5 steals per game, all in just 15.1 minutes of playing time per contest.
However, his role became more limited during the Pacers’ deep postseason run to the NBA Finals.
Under head coach Rick Carlisle, Bryant saw inconsistent minutes and appeared in 20 playoff games, averaging 2.6 points and 1.4 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient .485 from the field, .500 from three-point range, and .786 from the free-throw line in only 8.4 minutes per night.
Now 27 years old, Bryant has played for five different NBA franchises over the course of eight seasons, building a career marked by flashes of potential and reliable bench depth.
Should he go through with a deal to join Panathinaikos – or potentially another club in Europe – it would mark his first professional experience outside of the NBA.
Panathinaikos, one of the top teams in the EuroLeague, has reportedly been searching all offseason for a big man with NBA experience to strengthen their front line.
Earlier efforts to sign Jonas Valanciunas reportedly collapsed when it became clear that the Denver Nuggets, who had just acquired him as a backup, were unwilling to part ways.
Bryant now appears to be their next top target in their quest to land a player with proven credentials from the world’s top basketball league.
Thomas Bryant Nearing Deal With Panathinaikos https://t.co/gPLlxu19bM pic.twitter.com/Y85MXrkhP1
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) July 27, 2025
