Tristan Thompson To Be Waived By Pacers, Sign With Bulls

The Pacers intend to waive veteran center Tristan Thompson, who will sign with the Bulls upon clearing waivers, as relayed by Shams Charania of The Athletic, but first revealed by coach Rick Carlisle.

Last week, the Indianapolis Star’s James Boyd reported that the Pacers were contemplating a buyout of Thompson’s contract, and both sides clearly have decided that is the route to take.

Thompson, 30, is 6-foot-9 and was acquired by the Pacers from the Kings at least week’s trade deadline, along with guards Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield. Thompson has appeared in four games with Indiana and is averaging 7.3 points and 3.0 rebounds. 

That included a fantastic 17-point performance in Wednesday’s win over the Wizards. He did so on 8-of-9 shooting from the field.

Carlisle broke the news about Thompson after the game.

“It was fun while it lasted,” Carlisle told reporters. “He’s going to sign with another team a little bit north of here. Starts with a ‘C’ and ends with an ‘O.'”

Thompson, of course, has championship experience as a teammate of LeBron James and the 2016 Cavaliers. He sort of got lost in the shuffle with the Kings, but has shown that he can still be a pesky defender and rebounder in his three appearances with Indiana.

He has been traded three times since leaving the Cavs for the Celtics in the 2020 offseason.