INDIANAPOLIS -- To fill their desperate need for a backup center, the Indiana Pacers will acquire former IU star Thomas Bryant from the Heat for a second round pick on Sunday when the big man is eligible for a trade, league sources confirmed to the Indy Star Friday. ESPN's Shams Charania first reported the news.

The Pacers have been looking for help at the 5 since backup centers James Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson each suffered Achilles tendon tears in the season's first 10 days. They signed Moses Brown to a non-guaranteed deal on Nov. 20 but he saw limited action and was waived on Monday.

Bryant has started 138 NBA games, averaging 9.3 points and 5.4 rebounds for his career. He earned an NBA championship ring with the Nuggets in 2022-23. However, he has appeared in just 10 games for the Heat this season and is averaging just 4.1 points and 3.2 rebounds per game in 11.5 minutes per appearance.