The Cavaliers are in year one of a rebuild and Tristan Thompson is among the veterans who could be dealt. The team has taken a few calls on the big man, according to Sam Amico of AmicoHoops, though the scribe cautions that the franchise is in no hurry to deal him away.
Thompson has become a leader for the Cavs, aiding Cleveland’s younger players and showcasing high energy even as the team’s losses pile up. It’s clear that Thompson has a different mindset than he did last season where he appeared distracted. It’s possible rival teams are seeing the value of a productive player who is shooting 52.9% from the field and making a positive impact in the locker room.
Kevin Love is the only Cavalier this season earning a higher salary than Thompson’s, which comes in at approximately $17.5MM. The former No. 4 overall pick will make $18,5MM next season during the last year of his current deal.
Thompson has spent his entire eight-year career in Cleveland. He’s averaging a career-high 11.2 rebounds per game this season and his 19.2 player efficiency rating is by far the best of his career.
Be either LaBron requesting him, or someone like Utah (or trade to Philly for Butler AND Fultz)
Wtf is your damage?
Alright, what’s this guy on? Lol
Butler and Fultz for Tristan Thompson? Damn..what a streak!
For the Cavs! Lol.
That’s an absurd trade proposal
If this was last season, I’d be thrilled with the Cavs being able to get rid of him for literally anything. This year, he’s been a lot more valuable than whatever low-end picks and cap relief they could get, so at this point they might as well just keep him.
Why was he so bad last season? Was he messing with those Kardashian witches at the time?
Altman must be going to church on a daily basis. Someone willing to take TT on? Can only pray it’s for an expiring contract.
Can we please not use Sam Amiko.
How is he still around?
I can’t imagine another NBA team trading for that bad contract while giving up anything of value.
If anything, it seems like the Cavs would have to send out value just to get out from the contract.
TT is way overpaid for what he does, but he’s a solid defender and a fantastic rebounder. In the NBA cap system, the only way he gets moved is if the Cavs take back a dead weight contract.
Try, another productively overpaid contract.
TT is 27 with positive numbers & leadership. He just can’t shoot. This isn’t last year, with the celebrity issues and team turmoil and uncertain rotations.
If salaries in general rise, he might be signing in 2020 for not much less!
Miami would love to get off of Whiteside, and might trade away a pick to do it.
Whiteside for TT works this summer, assuming Miami drafts someone for Cleveland and then completes the trade after the moratorium ends. Miami reduces their salary and gets a better player (kinda sorta), and Cleveland leverages cap space to get a 1st. Win-win.