The Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers are anticipating meeting up once again the in Eastern Conference playoffs. Last year's series had plenty of fireworks and this year will be no different if both teams continue on their respective paths. In preparation for a run to the NBA Finals, both teams are looking to make a run at center Andrew Bynum to stock up on depth.
Bynum is sitting on the free agent market much longer than many expected. The center was traded to the Chicago Bulls and then promptly released in order for the team to avoid paying his $12.3 million guaranteed salary. Multiple teams have expressed interest in bringing in the two-time NBA champion, but no one has signed him yet. The Heat and the Pacers have no emerged as the two favorites to sign Bynum, possibly as early as this week.
Marc Stein of ESPN reports the Pacers are now aiming to sign Bynum as the Los Angeles Clippers look to be walking away from the move. Adding Bynum to the Pacers' roster could spell big trouble for Miami. The Heat already struggle with the size of players like Rob Hibbert who would dominate the team on both ends of the floor. Putting in a big man like Bynum could make things even harder for players like LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.
However, the Heat might try and beat Indiana to the signing in order to counter the size. Miami already has Michael Beasley and Greg Oden on the roster to help beat Hibbert at the rim. Oden is reportedly getting closer to returning after sources say he looks strong in workouts. However, that is all simply uncertain and with a player like Oden, anything can happen. Getting Bynum would allow for immediate impact.
Stein reports that as of now, no offer has been made. The Heat have their player exemption that they could use on Bynum in order to sign him to deal that will not hit the salary cap hard. Both the Heat and the Pacers are likely waiting for each other to make an offer so they can determine the center's worth.
For now, it looks like the Clippers have removed themselves from the Bynum discussions. The team was looking for depth behind DeAndre Jordan, but not having roster space likely swayed them the other direction.
