Tristan Thompson Reportedly Prefers To Be Traded

Tristan Thompson‘s camp would like to see him moved by this Thursday’s deadline, according to Joe Vardon of The Athletic, who says people close to the Cavaliers center are calling a trade a “priority.”

The news comes a little over 24 hours after word broke that the Cavaliers had put Thompson on the trade block. At the time, I noted that there had been rumblings earlier in the season about the team wanting to extend Thompson, with reports suggesting the big man was open to the idea. Cleveland’s newfound willingness to move him seemed to signal that the 28-year-old may no longer reciprocate that interest in an extension.

As Vardon explains, Thompson’s Bird rights would move with him in any trade, which is one reason why his camp may be pushing for a deal. Most of the teams that project to have cap room this summer are rebuilding clubs. So if Thompson wants a chance to sign with a contender for more than the mid-level, his best chance to do so may be joining that team now, then signing a new contract in the summer using those Bird rights.

Thompson’s $18.5MM cap hit will be tricky for some teams to match, but he’s having a strong season with unrestricted free agency around the corner, averaging career-best marks in PPG (11.9), RPG (10.4), and APG (2.1) in 48 games (31.0 MPG).

The Wizards are among the teams said to have expressed interest in Thompson. Sources tell Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com that the Cavs want a first-round pick in exchange for the veteran center. If that offer doesn’t materialize, it’s not clear whether the team will be open to taking the best offer available or if it would prefer to hang onto Thompson through the deadline.

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