Free agent center Tristan Thompson has reached an agreement on a one-year deal to return to the Cavaliers, reports ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter links).
The fourth overall pick in the 2011 draft, Thompson spent his first nine NBA seasons with the Cavaliers before bouncing around the league and spending time with the Celtics, Kings, Pacers, Bulls, and Lakers from 2020-23. He returned to Cleveland last season, signing a one-year contract with the club almost exactly a year ago and appearing in 49 games in 2023/24.
Once a fixture in the Cavs’ starting lineup and one of the NBA’s top rebounders, Thompson played a limited role last season, contributing 3.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assist in just 11.2 minutes per contest during the regular season.
The 33-year-old, who was suspended for 25 games from January to March for an SPED (steroids and performance enhancing drugs) violation, averaged 8.7 MPG in 10 postseason appearances off the bench.
Although Thompson is no longer a major contributor on the court, the Cavaliers value his leadership, Wojnarowski notes.
Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com suggested last month that the team remained on the lookout for a “cost-effective, playable, end-of-bench veteran” who could be a locker room leader like Thompson was last season. It now appears the Cavs may simply have Thompson fill that role again, though it’s unclear whether his new contract will be fully guaranteed. It at least seems safe to assume that it’s minimum-salary deal.
Prior to officially signing Thompson, Cleveland is carrying 12 players on standard contracts, with Isaac Okoro still a restricted free agent.
Makes sense, but a Morris return would have been preferred imo
He’s not being looked to for results but instead to lead by example in practice and from a champion’s perspective. He exemplified good leadership last season and has the respect of his teammates. Considering there are no designs on either him or Morris playing much, I will take TT’s influence over Morris’.
Khloe K doesn’t appreciate his leadership
Who?
Is Thompson a guy known for his “leadership”? Did I miss something? A guy who’s more famous for his off-court TMZ appearances and an aging out big who needed steroids to get out of bed is supposed to be the Udonis Haslem of Cleveland?
It does seem desperate
I don’t get it