The Cleveland Cavaliers are struggling mightily at the moment. While everyone expects LeBron James and company to be (very) dangerous before the NBA Playoffs arrive, the team just dropped two straight games by 25-plus points and, outside of a wild winning streak, Cleveland's production has been quite pedestrian.
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That also extends to veteran big man Tristan Thompson, who battled injury issues and has been only mildly effective when on the floor. To that end, Shams Charania of The Vertical brought word on Friday that the Cavs could move Thompson, though only in "the right deal."
As teams pick up trade activity before the trade deadline, the Cavaliers are shaping up to be perhaps the most fascinating contending team. They have two first-round draft picks — including the heralded Brooklyn Nets' selection via the Irving trade — but the superstar player whom the franchise could pursue with that pick has not been made available. Multiple NBA teams have cited Tristan Thompson as an asset Cleveland is willing to move in the right deal, such as one for the Los Angeles Clippers' DeAndre Jordan.
Because Thompson has a sizable salary over multiple years, it wouldn't necessarily be easy to move him. At his best, the former top five pick is a terror on the glass and a quality defensive player with the ability to switch. However, this has not been his best season and, given his offensive limitations, fit concerns would surface in a few different spots around the league.
It seems likely that Thompson will remain in Cleveland but, with this report in mind, it certainly isn't a lock.
