According to Shams Charania, Tristan Thompson is set to reunite with the Cleveland Cavaliers as they finalize a deal with the veteran big man. The specific details of the contract are still unknown, but it is expected to be a one-year deal at the veteran’s minimum.
Thompson was originally drafted as the fourth overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Cavaliers. Although he didn’t put up impressive statistics, he played a crucial role in their championship victory in 2016 and made four consecutive Finals appearances alongside LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love. One of his most memorable performances was his 15-point, 16-rebound double-double in Game 6 of the 2016 Finals, which helped extend the Cavaliers’ season.
Since leaving the Cavaliers in 2020, Thompson has played for several teams including the Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Lakers. Last season, he only played in six games for the Lakers during their Western Conference finals run.
While Thompson’s on-court contributions may be limited at this point in his career, the Cavaliers are in need of frontcourt depth and veteran leadership. He will serve as another option behind Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, providing support in case of injuries or foul trouble. Additionally, the Cavaliers have a relatively young and inexperienced starting lineup, with an average age of 24.8 years old. Thompson’s experience and leadership can be valuable in guiding the team, especially considering that most of the key players, including Mobley and Darius Garland, had their first taste of playoff basketball last season.
Overall, Thompson’s return to the Cavaliers is seen as a positive move for the team. It not only addresses a need for frontcourt depth but also brings back a familiar face and adds a sense of reunion to the roster.
