The Cavaliers participated in the first trade of the 2019/20 NBA season when they sent Jordan Clarkson to Utah last week, and they likely aren’t done dealing. There’s a widespread belief that Cleveland is willing to sell off more veterans for draft picks and young assets, according to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, who hears from sources that Tristan Thompson is drawing interest from playoff contenders around the NBA.
Thompson, 28, is having arguably his best season as a pro so far in 2019/20, with 12.8 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.0 BPG, and a .503 FG% through 31 games (31.4 MPG). He has also helped anchor the Cavs’ defense and has been a leader in the locker room.
While Thompson would certainly appeal to contenders, his $18.5MM+ expiring contract won’t necessarily be easy to move. Many clubs with title aspirations don’t have the contracts necessary to match that salary in a trade, which will limit Cleveland’s options.
While a deal remains possible, both the Cavaliers and Thompson are considering the possibility of continuing their relationship beyond this season. According to Fedor, Thompson said on Monday that it’d be “cool” to finish his career in Cleveland. Meanwhile, the Cavs have had internal conversations about re-signing the big man and would be open to an extension, sources tell Fedor. However, there’s a belief that agent Rich Paul would prefer to see his client reach free agency in 2020.
For now, Thompson is letting Paul and the Cavaliers handle any trade or contract talks while he focuses on what he control and attempts to block out the speculation.
“Take it one game at a time,” Thompson said. “Keep the main goal the main goal, which is to come out and compete with my guys and be ready to go to war.”
I wonder if Mavs might be interested. Already said they are looking for a big to pair with KP and they have have the assets I think.
I’m also really curious as to what the front office has cooking. Thompson or Adams as a trade target. A package with Lee and another player/asset. Hoping they make some noise and can make a push for a possible deep playoff run.
Mavs dont want a post up player… rick carlise words. Myles turner is the kost likly target. Pacers dont see him as a long term fit next to D.sabonis. turner also a natice of dallas and cant shoot 3s. Maybe he will give some extra effort as well since he playing for his hometown?
Carlisle said he doesn’t want KP posting up, not that they don’t want a post up player.
Can’t imagine much of a market for Thompson this summer, seeing as how Drummond, Ibaka, Favors, Gasol, Whiteside, and Harrell will all be free agents.
Turner and Dedmon will probably be available in trade too. And then there are some bench bigs playing for the Knicks that will be available too.
Extension seems like what Thompson needs.
And AD might also be a free agent if he opts out next summer.
AD is not a center. His decision.
Realizing that would improve your predictions.
Who needs a big?
Atlanta and Charlotte.
Or contenders for the bench… But has no sense take TT and his contract for a contender… Dedmon is very better
TT’s main benefit is that he more or less gets his own points & rebounds and supports the establishment. Of late he has also been able to be a hub player–a quasi-high-post–when the offense breaks down, which is the norm.
Some on Jason’s list would come in with an agenda and take up more psychic space, which could be good or bad, but would be feared by GMs worried about a disruption. But choices are there at center.