Terry Taylor was surprised to be waived by the Indiana Pacers, but happy to have found a home with Chicago Bulls

Forward Terry Taylor was waived by the Indiana Pacers at the trade deadline. The 23-year old bruiser spent the first season-and-a-half of his NBA career with the Pacers, but the team let go of the strong rebounder in order to facilitate a complicated trade.

Taylor had a quality stretch for the blue and gold in mid January, and he provided the team with important center depth in 2021-22. But as Indiana acquired Jordan Nwora and George Hill in a deal, they had to open up roster spots, and Taylor was a casualty.

The young forward was surprised that Indiana moved on from him. "I was, actually," Taylor said of being surprised. "It was my off day, I was in the gym shooting and my agent called and told me that. I was a little upset. At the end of the day, I understand it's a business. Just take it on the chin and just keep going."

Pacers brass called Taylor and informed him that letting him go was done to make a trade possible, which he understood. "You've got to make moves to try and make the team better and whatnot. Nobody wants to get waived, but at the same time, it's a part of the business," the two-year pro said Sunday.

That night, the Pacers and Bulls battled. It was a thrilling game that went down to the wire, and Pacers All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton hit a game-winning shot just before the final buzzer. It was a competitive game between two central division foes.

It was also the first time in Taylor's career that he played against the blue and gold. He signed a two-way contract with Chicago after the All-Star break and had only donned one jersey prior. He lined up opposite his old team on Sunday.

Ultimately, Taylor didn't make an appearance in the game, but having his knowledge of the Pacers and their schemes on the bench was valuable for the Bulls. The interior-minded forward had many interactions with his former teammates and coaches throughout the day.

"It was good seeing [the] guys," Taylor said of dueling with Indiana. "It's just a different experience. Building a relationship with [those] guys and now you're on the other side. At the end of the day, I understood it was part of the business."

Taylor has played in two games for the Bulls so far, and he has scored four total points. His two-way contract has given him reps with Chicago's G League team as well, and he scored 23 points in his first outing with the Windy City Bulls.

The Bulls waived Malcolm Hill to open up a spot for Taylor. They were clearly interested in the Austin Peay State University product.

"Another guy that knows who he is and what he does," Bulls head coach Billy Donovan said of Taylor. Chicago's head coach credited the forward's motor. "Physical. I think when we played against him last year he was pretty impactful for them. But a guy that maybe is undersized but really is an elite rebounder considering his size."

After being waived, Taylor said he waited just under 10 days to get a call from another team. He spent the time, which included the All-Star break, at home with his family. That mental reset can be good for players, especially after an emotional waiver.

But Taylor is happy now that he is with Chicago. It's a new opportunity for the youngster, and a good fit for him culturally.

"Giving me a chance to play. They can use me in certain parts like rebounding," Taylor said of choosing the Bulls. "I think it just made the right sense, and the positionless basketball helps."

Terry Taylor is no longer a Pacer, but he is still close with former teammates and staffers. That was made clear in the United Center on Sunday. Now, though, he is a Chicago Bull, and after a surprising waiver, he is making the most of a new chance.