Tristan Thompson could help solve the Raptors‘ rebounding issues, but a buyout in Cleveland appears unlikely, writes Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca. The native Canadian is among 12 players averaging a double-double, with 11.8 PPG and 10.3 RPG. With an expiring contract, he was expected to moved before the deadline by the rebuilding Cavaliers, who snagged his replacement by trading for Andre Drummond.
However, a source tells Grange that neither side plans to pursue a buyout. The Cavs want to hold onto Thompson’s Bird rights for a potential sign-and-trade this summer, while the veteran center believes his best chance to secure a new contract above the mid-level exception is to play out his current deal.
There’s more from Cleveland:
- Drummond made two 3-pointers in his debut with the Cavaliers, more than in any of the 591 games he played for the Pistons, but coach John Beilein doesn’t sound ready to endorse the idea of Drummond as a long distance shooter, relays Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. “When they go in, it’s always OK,” Beilein said. “But I think I have to understand who he is a little more. I know he had tried a few, he didn’t shoot any against us I don’t think in any of our games, but if you have a five that can shoot it, it does help a great deal. I think it’s still under some type of watch to see whether we’re going to continue to allow it.”
- Even though he wasn’t an original choice for the Rising Stars game, the decision to have Collin Sexton replace Tyler Herro on the U.S. roster validates the progress he has made this season, Fedor adds in a separate story. Sexton has been the target of criticism since he came into the league, Fedor notes, and there were suggestions that the Cavaliers should try to trade him before last week’s deadline. However, Sexton has cut down on his turnovers and leads the team in scoring at 19.7 PPG, which ranks third among second-year players behind Trae Young and Luka Doncic.
- Despite a 13-40 record, general manager Koby Altman tells Fedor he considers this season to be a success because of the development by Sexton, Darius Garland and Kevin Porter Jr. “If we’re gauging the success of those guys, I’m in a good space,” Altman said. “I’m excited about our future because of where they’ve come from Day One — first game of the season to where they are now and where they’re going.”
Is Garland’s development a success? Really?
Probably his flaws are perceived as more related to the situation. His stats are terrible. He can look out of place, but shouldn’t there be some of that if he’s teenaged, out of position and sentinent (aware, intelligent)?
Unless you’re suggestin Altman would say something like that for his own job security strategy, regardless… *of course he would*
Don’t see why a team would buy out a player unless said player is willing to lose a good chuck of money cause the team gets nothing back in return. Atleast if they don’t buy TT out they might be able to sign and trade him for something in a few months time.
Okay so no TT move then.
If Love rests something to close out the season, like he prob should, I bet Drummond wants to try the 4. Not a bad idea… test his mojo & flow & what he can leave behind or bring to the table. That will happen anyway though.
Col-Dar-Kev cannot or willnot play defense. Interesting on offense, but.
I like Porter, and think Garland has potential if they can help him in certain areas. Not a fan of Sexton at all. I think it’s a joke for him to be in that game over certain people. I actually think he has personally made them worse than they actually are the last couple of years, and is likely the reason Kevin Love wanted out
I dont get the fit with TT in Toronto. They have Gasol and Ibaka lol. Clippers, Heat, Houston make some sense for him
Agree with you about Sexton. He does score points but is selfish, he averages 2.6 assists for a starting PG is terrible. Garland has potential but yeah the fit doesn’t suit him at all.
They should trade Sexton, and I could see TT in Toronto who next year, Gasol and Ibaka both have 1 year deal so maybe Gasol leaves, TT comes in and they also keep Ibaka.
Maybe Sexton for Mikal Bridges from the Suns.
Sexton plays back up point and Bridges is a solid wing defender for the Cavs.
I thought the Cavs would draft Bridges at the time, but ya I dont see why Phoenix would make that trade
Would or wouldn’t?
I think they would considering they have Oubre Johnson and Bridges who are all young SFs. And behind Rubio who is getting old they lack real quality.
Sexton would be a good sixth man bench scorer and you could groom him to fit with Devin Booker over time.
Cam johnson can play the 4, and bridges hasnt had a problem. He’s been really good this year and is more valuable than Sexton for multiple reasons