Southeast Notes: Bryant, Wizards, Williams, Bridges

Trading newly re-signed center Thomas Bryant isn’t an option for the Heat at present, writes Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel (subscriber-only link).

The 27-year-old big man doesn’t become trade-eligible until December 15, when most players signed to new contracts this offseason can be dealt. The 6’10” Indiana product inked a one-year, $2.1 million veteran’s minimum deal to return to Miami for a second straight year.

Bryant appeared in just 38 contests (four starts) for Miami, as he was toggled in and out of head coach Erik Spoelstra‘s rotations. All told, he averaged 5.7 points on 57.7% field goal shooting and 87.2% foul line shooting, along with 3.7 rebounds, in 11.6 minutes of action.

There’s more out of the Southeast Division:

• The Wizards are fully embracing their rebuild this season, writes Joshua Robbins of The Athletic. During a preseason presser on Thursday, top Washington executives Michael Winger and Will Dawkins spoke of their long play for relevance this year. “If we’re really to think about it, the phases of the rebuild… there’s the deconstruction phase,” Dawkins said. “There’s the laying-the-foundation phase. There’s the building it back up, and then there’s fortifying what you build. We’re still focused on deconstructing and laying that foundation. And I think that’s important to remind everyone, that we’re still early (in the process).” The team finished 15-67 in 2023/24, and accrued a pair of lottery picks this summer in big man Alex Sarr and point guard Carlton Carrington. Washington also acquired the draft rights to wing Kyshawn George, selected later in the first round. The Wizards are looking for internal growth from intriguing second-year small forward Bilal Coulibaly, their 2023 lottery selection.
• The Magic are set to pay tribute to recently deceased co-founder and longtime front office executive Pat Williams this season, Orlando announced via press release. Magic players will wear patches with the initials “PW” on their jerseys. Williams served as the Magic’s general manager from their inaugural season in 1989/90, through 1996. He was sub sequently promoted to a role as the club’s senior vice president.
• Recently re-signed Hornets forward Miles Bridges had options from several other clubs in free agency this summer, he told Rod Boone of The Charlotte Observer. “With coach (Charles) Lee and the new coaching staff coming in, new management, I just feel like we are stepping in the right direction. And I just feel like I wanted to be a big part of that.” Bridges  at least had overtures from the Clippers and Cavaliers. “Yeah, the Clippers are a great organization,” Bridges said. “They wanted me, the (Cleveland) Cavaliers wanted me. But at the same time I was just trying to see what was the best fit for me, and what would make me and my family happy.”