Cavs Finalizing Deal With Tristan Thompson

AKRON, Ohio — The Cavaliers and center Tristan Thompson are finalizing a contract that will mark his return to the franchise, agent Rich Paul told Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Thompson, 32, spent most of last season as a free agent before signing on with LeBron James and the Lakers in April. He appeared in zero regular-season games but played a small role off the bench in the playoffs, appearing in six games as the Lakers went from play-in tournament to Western Conference Finals.

Thompson is best known for his time with the Cavs, who selected him with the No. 4 overall pick in 2011, three spots behind point guard Kyrie Irving. Thompson, Irving and James, of course, won the title with Cleveland in 2016.

Terms of his new deal with the Cavs have not been disclosed, though it’s likely a one-year contract for the veteran’s minimum.

Following a nine-year run with the Cavs that ended in 2020, Thompson signed with the Celtics. He was later traded to the Kings, then to the Pacers, then signed on with the Bulls after being waived by Indiana.

In other words, one of the Cavs’ longest-tenured players has become a bit of a journeyman in recent seasons. And that journey is apparently bringing back to where it all began.

A high-energy, hustling center, Thompson carries career averages of 9.0 points and 8.4 rebounds. He averaged 6.0 and 5.1, respectively, in his last full season of 2021-22.

C/F Tristan Thompson is finalizing a deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, CEO of Klutch Sports Rich Paul told @TheAthletic @Stadium. Thompson is set to return to Cleveland where he was part of 2016 NBA title, four Finals runs, now gives Cavs leadership and some frontcourt depth. pic.twitter.com/ayKEu3JOj1

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 11, 2023