Tristan Thompson Deal With Cavs Is Non-Guaranteed

The Cavaliers gave themselves a little flexibility in their decision to bring back center Tristan Thompson. Namely, they didn’t guarantee his contract, sources told Hoops Wire and as first reported by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

But this isn’t a big deal for anyone involved, including Thompson — who landed a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum.

After all, Thompson is entering his 14th season. Two years ago, he didn’t play at all, unless you count how he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers for the playoffs (and most people don’t).

So he’s likely just happy to have a hoops home, and knowing Thompson, he’s thrilled that home is Cleveland.

For the Cavs, this is the same arrangement that they had with Thompson last season. They are giving themselves some roster flexibility all the way until Jan. 7. If Thompson is still on the roster after that date, then yes, the deal will be guaranteed for the rest of the season.

That’s what happened last year. Thompson made the cutoff date and stuck with the team through the playoffs. (Though he did serve a 25-game suspension for violating the league’s anti-performance-enhancing drug policy.)

This year, he will again be counted on to provide his usual dose of energy, hustle, rebounding and championship-winning experience behind starter Jarrett Allen. The Cavaliers very well could bring in another big man or two before the season tips off on Oct. 23 at Toronto.

For now, though, they have Thompson as the reserve pivot and for now, that’s good enough for everyone.

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.