The league-leading Indiana Pacers further beefed up its roster by signing former All-Star center Andrew Bynum for the rest of the season in a deal that will see the former Laker receive $1 million and back-up All-Star Roy Hibbert.
Bynum will form what is arguably the deepest frontcourt in the league with Hibbert, power forwards David West and Luis Scola to counter the Miami Heat's small-ball play. More importantly, signing Bynum will mean keeping him away from the Heat that have been longing for a big man to help solve their rebounding woes.
"We are obviously happy to have him join our team," Pacers president of basketball operations Larry Bird said in a release as quoted by ESPN. "He gives us added size, he is a skilled big man and he has championship experience. With the minutes he gets, he should be a valuable addition."
According to ESPN, five teams expressed interest in signing Bynum including the Heat. Bynum eventually chose the Pacers because it has an open roster spot, space under the luxury tax and greatest chances of winning it all.
Said Bynum in a statement: "It really wasn't a hard decision, I think it's the right fit for me. In all honesty, I think we've got the best chance of winning. It will be great to back up Roy, and I'll do whatever I can to help this team."
It remains to be seen how Bynum will fit in Indiana. During his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he averaged 8.4 points and 5.3 rebounds but was mostly disinterested on offense and defense. He was traded to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Luol Deng, but was released for salary cap purposes.
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