Bynum was released by the Bulls after trade deal involving Deng.
Free agent Andrew Bynum reportedly met with the Indiana Pacers on Friday, with ESPN sources suggesting that talks are “serious”.
Bynum has been in talks with five teams, including the Miami Heat, but the defending champions do not have a roster spot available and have been willing to offer a contract only at the veteran’s minimum.
The former Cleveland Cavaliers star is looking for something more than the minimum salary as he looks for a way back into the NBA.
Bynum was waived by the Chicago Bulls shortly after they agreed a trade deal involving Luol Deng, allowing them to create cap space ahead of free agency this summer with suggestions that they will move to bring in a superstar to pair with Derrick Rose.
The 26-year-old missed all of last season with a knee injury, but averaged 8.4 points and 5.3 rebounds in 24 games for the Cavs this season.
It is understood that the Pacers do have a roster spot but president Larry Bird has been insistent that they will not pay the luxury tax, something they may have to do depending on the level of Bynum’s deal.
Ultimately, Bynum would act as cover for All-Star center Roy Hibbert as the Pacers look to maintain their spot at the top of the Eastern Conference with a 35-10 record thus far this season.
Meanwhile, the Heat are believed to be encouraged by the recent play of Greg Oden, who has returned to playing a limited role after four years of knee troubles.
Miami trail the Pacers by three games in the East, but it remains to be seen whether or not Bynum will join Indiana in their bid to topple the reigning champions.
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