In the event there was ever any doubt, it’s now official. Veteran center Tristan Thompson is back with the Cavaliers, per an announcement from the team.
Thompson, of course, offers leadership, tons of hustle and some winning vibes, given that he was a starter for the 2016 championship team.
While details weren’t revealed, it’s believed that Thompson is returning on a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum.
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.
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 a 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.
The Cavaliers remain one of just three teams that have not yet signed an outside free agent to a standard deal.
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