It appears the Cleveland Cavaliers are turning to a familiar face or help in the frontcourt. That would be no less than Tristan Thompson, the NBA championship-winning center who returned to Cleveland last season.
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Well, he will be back for another season, as Hoops Wire sources confirmed that the Cavaliers and Thompson have agreed to another one-year deal. The news was first reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Thompson offers leadership, tons of hustle and some winning vibes, given that he was a starter for the 2016 title team.
He was suspended for 25 games last season for violating the league's anti-drug program, after testing positive for ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033 — and his teammates and the coaching staff made it clear to Thompson they were not pleased.
Free agent C Tristan Thompson is finalizing a one-year deal to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, sources tell ESPN. Thompson has played 10 of his 13 seasons with the Cavs. President Koby Altman and Klutch CEO Rich Paul are finishing up an agreement. pic.twitter.com/XrgJLPNWIx
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 6, 2024
But he returned in time for the playoffs, offering his usual dose of offensive rebounding and general dirty work near the basket.
Thompson, 33, is 6-foot-9 and appeared in 49 games last season, averaging 3.3 points and 3.6 rebounds, shooting 60.8% from the field. But as is always the case, it's more than just about numbers for him. It's all the intangibles, and those are the things the Cavs clearly value.
After spending the first 10 seasons of his career with Cleveland, Thompson became an NBA journeyman of sorts, playing for the Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers, all from 2021-22.
He was unsigned for the 2022-23 regular season, before joining the Los Angeles Lakers just before for the playoffs.
(This story originally appeared on Hoops Wire and was syndicated with permission.)
