How Much Does Thomas Bryant Make? A Deep Dive into the Young Wizards Center‘s Salary and Career
Hey there basketball fan! As a fellow NBA enthusiast, I wanted to provide you with a detailed look at the salary and budding career of Washington Wizards center Thomas Bryant. At just 24 years old, Bryant has already emerged as an impactful two-way force for the Wizards. Let‘s analyze his earnings and performance thus far, along with what could be in store down the road for this promising young big man.
Bryant‘s Current Contract and Yearly Salary
After showing consistent improvement early in his career, Bryant signed a 3 year, $25 million contract with the Wizards in 2019. This deal keeps him on the team through the 2021-22 season and pays around $8.3 million per year. While the exact annual breakdown is not made public, Spotrac estimates the following:
- 2019-20: $3.5 million
- 2020-21: $8.3 million
- 2021-22: $8.3 million
At your typical NBA player‘s age, locking in a multi-year contract over $25 million is quite an accomplishment. As Bryant continues to develop his game, he could be in line for an even more lucrative extension or free agent contract in 2024.
Bryant‘s Salary Over His First 4 NBA Seasons
| Season | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2017-18 | Lakers | $815k |
| 2018-19 | Lakers | $1.38m |
| 2019-20 | Wizards | $3.5m (estimate) |
| 2020-21 | Wizards | $8.3m (estimate) |
As a second round draft pick, Bryant signed a modest 3 year, $2.2 million rookie deal with Los Angeles. But his play rapidly improved, earning him the big raise from the Wizards. Through 4 seasons, Bryant has already earned close to $14 million in the NBA.
Statistical Performance and Growth
In the abbreviated 2020-21 season, Bryant averaged career highs of 14.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks while shooting an efficient 37% from three point range. He scored 30+ points twice, showing his potential as an offensive force.
Bryant‘s per 36 minute stats are also noteworthy:
| Season | Points | Rebounds | Blocks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | 18.2 | 9.5 | 2.0 |
| 2020-21 | 17.7 | 7.6 | 1.4 |
The numbers illustrate Bryant‘s scoring touch and rebounding tenacity at the center spot before his ACL injury. Many analysts believe he was on the cusp of a breakout year prior to going down.
Play Style – An Athletic Modern 5
Standing tall at 6‘10" with a 7‘6" wingspan and a strong 265 lb frame, Bryant makes great use of his physical gifts as today‘s prototypical athletic center. He finishes forcefully on rolls to the rim, crashes the boards, and serves as a stout last line of defense.
Bryant is mobile and runs the floor exceptionally well for a big man. He can also step out and drain mid-range jumpers or catch fire from three point range.
Overall, Bryant blends traditional interior intimidation with a dash of floor spacing and versatility that coaches covet in the modern NBA. He models his game after explosive centers like Amar‘e Stoudemire and Brook Lopez.
College Career at Indiana University
A native of Rochester, New York, Bryant was a prep standout at Bishop Kearney High School. He brought his talents to Indiana University for two seasons from 2015-2017.
As a sophomore, Bryant averaged 12.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks while shooting 68% from the field. He had a breakout NIT tournament, scoring 22 points against Georgia Tech and 31 points against UCF.
Bryant declared for the 2017 NBA Draft after his Sophomore year. His athleticism, motor, and defensive potential as a modern NBA center led to team‘s taking notice.
Drafted by the Lakers in 2017
The Utah Jazz selected Bryant with the 42nd overall pick in the 2017 draft. However, his rights were quickly traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for cash considerations.
At just 20 years old, Bryant signed a 3 year, $2.2 million rookie contract with L.A. As a late second rounder, he would have to grind his way up the depth chart.
Bryant split time between the NBA and G League as a rookie, before settling into a backup big man role for the Lakers in 2018-19. But his breakout would come after a trade to the Wizards.
Traded to the Wizards in 2019
After two seasons in Los Angeles, Bryant was traded along with Moritz Wagner to the Wizards in exchange for cash in July 2019.
For Bryant, this move presented a chance for more playing time and a significant role on a rebuilding Wizards squad. He immediately justified the team‘s faith in him.
Breakout Season in 2019-20
Given an expanded role in Washington, Bryant averaged 13.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game while starting 57 contests in 2019-20. He shot a blistering 38.9% from three point range as well.
Bryant‘s impressive play earned him a 3 year, $25 million contract extension with the Wizards in January 2020. His new deal reflected his status as a core piece of the franchise‘s future.
Life Off the Court
From his $4.15 million McLean, Virginia mansion to his love of anime and gaming, Bryant enjoys his newfound wealth like most guys in their early 20s.
But he remains grounded in family, fitness, and perfecting his craft. Despite his growing fame, Bryant maintains a relatively low-key lifestyle outside of basketball.
Honoring the Legacy of Kobe Bryant
Coming out of high school, Thomas Bryant wore #10 to honor his favorite player, Kobe Bryant. Though not related, the two formed a mentee-mentor bond over basketball.
After Kobe‘s tragic passing, Bryant paid tribute with a "Black Mamba" arm sleeve and still strives to emulate his work ethic and competitive drive on the court.
Working Back from ACL Injury
The most serious setback thus far in Bryant‘s career came in January 2022, when he suffered a torn left ACL against the Philadelphia 76ers.
He underwent successful surgery a week later and is expected to need 6-12 months of recovery and rehab before returning to action. It‘s a long road back, but Bryant has the drive and support system to come back just as strong.
The Future is Bright
As long as Bryant can regain his athleticism and bounce after rehabbing his knee, I see no reason why his ascension should be derailed long-term.
Prior to the injury, he was on pace to average nearly 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. On a rookie-scale extension or new contract, Bryant should earn $15-$20 million per season or more given his immense potential.
In a few years in his prime, we could plausibly see Bryant averaging 20 points, 10 boards, and 2 blocks as an elite two-way force. The sky remains the limit for the promising young Wizards‘ big man.
So there you have it, an in-depth look at Thomas Bryant‘s salary, background, and path forward. Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m wishing him the best in his recovery and long NBA career ahead.