Cavs re-sign Tristan Thompson

The Cleveland Cavaliers have re-signed center Tristan Thompson, Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman announced today from Cleveland Clinic Courts.

Thompson (6-10, 250), a member of the franchise’s first-ever NBA championship team in 2016, appeared in 49 games this past season, averaging 3.3 points and 3.6 rebounds in 11.2 minutes per contest. Selected by the Cavaliers as the No. 4 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and at the time was the highest drafted Canadian-born player in league history, Thompson ranks among the franchise’s all-time leaders in offensive rebounds (second, 2,188), total rebounds (third, 5,567), defensive rebounds (fifth, 3,379), blocks (fifth, 461), games played (fifth, 668) and minutes (eighth, 17,922). His 447 consecutive regular season games played from Feb. 10, 2012 to April 4, 2017 remains the longest streak in Cavaliers history.

The 13-year NBA veteran center has played in 779 regular season games (478 starts) for Cleveland, Boston, Sacramento, Indiana and Chicago with averages of 8.7 points on .521 shooting from the field and 8.1 rebounds in 25.8 minutes per contest.

Thompson, who started all 21 postseason games during the Cavaliers’ 2016 NBA title run, has played in 104 playoff games (70 starts) over his career, averaging 6.5 points on .557 shooting from the field and 7.2 rebounds in 25.2 minutes. Thompson is also the Cavaliers’ all-time postseason leader in offensive rebounds (297) and ranks second in franchise playoff history in total rebounds (686), third in defensive rebounds (389), second in games played (88), fourth in blocked shots (68), ninth in points scored (613) and ninth in field goals made (231).

Cavs bring back Tristan Thompson

The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed center Tristan Thompson, Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman announced today from Cleveland Clinic Courts.

“Tristan embodies every trait we want as part of our team culture, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring his experience and character back into our franchise,” said Altman. “His impact both on and off the court is immeasurable, and his history with our team adds a layer of familiarity, leadership and physicality that will undoubtedly make a positive impact with our younger players. An integral part of our four consecutive NBA Finals trips and an NBA Championship in 2016, Tristan represented the organization with the utmost charm and professionalism during his nine seasons in Northeast Ohio. We are thrilled to reunite with Tristan and welcome him and his family back to the Cavaliers family.”

Thompson (6-9, 254) played a vital role during the Cavaliers’ four straight NBA Finals appearances from 2015-2018, including the franchise’s first-ever NBA championship in 2016. He returns to Cleveland, where he spent his first nine NBA seasons (2011-2020), appearing in 619 regular season games (429 starts) with averages of 9.4 points on .518 shooting from the field and 8.7 rebounds in 28.1 minutes per contest. Selected by the Cavaliers as the No. 4 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and at the time was the highest drafted Canadian-born player in league history, Thompson still ranks among the franchise’s all-time leaders in offensive rebounds (second, 2,115), total rebounds (third, 5,393), defensive rebounds (fifth, 3,278), blocks (sixth, 447), games played (seventh, 619) and minutes (eighth, 17,373). His 447 consecutive regular season games played from Feb. 10, 2012 to April 4, 2017 remains the longest streak in Cavaliers history. Additionally, Thompson holds the franchise record for most offensive rebounds in a single season with 306 in 2012-13.

The 12-year NBA veteran center last played for the Los Angeles Lakers, where he appeared in six playoff games during the 2023 NBA Playoffs. Over his career, Thompson has played in 730 regular season games (478 starts) for Cleveland, Boston, Sacramento, Indiana and Chicago with averages of 9.0 points on .519 shooting from the field and 8.4 rebounds in 26.8 minutes per contest. An All-Rookie Second Team selection in 2011-12, the University of Texas product has averaged at least 8.0 rebounds on eight occasions, including back-to-back campaigns averaging a double-double for Cleveland during the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons. With 5,839 points and 5,393 rebounds with the Cavaliers, Thompson is one of only four players in franchise history to accumulate at least 5,000 points and 5,000 rebounds, joining LeBron James, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Brad Daugherty.

Thompson, who started all 21 postseason games during the Cavaliers’ 2016 NBA title run, has played in 94 playoff games (70 starts) over his career, averaging 7.1 points on .562 shooting from the field and 7.8 rebounds in 26.9 minutes. Thompson is also the Cavaliers’ all-time postseason leader in offensive rebounds (287) and ranks second in franchise playoff history in total rebounds (666), third in defensive rebounds (379), third in games played (78), fourth in blocked shots (63), ninth in points scored (598) and ninth in field goals made (224).

Chicago Bulls sign Tristan Thompson, waive Alfonzo McKinnie

The Chicago Bulls have signed veteran big man Tristan Thompson.

Also today, the team released forward Alfonzo McKinnie.

In his eleventh season in the NBA, Thompson (6-9, 254 pounds) owns career averages of 9.1 ppg (.518 from the field), 8.5 rpg (3.3 orpg) and 1.0 apg in 27.1 mpg. For his career, he has played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers. This season, he has appeared in 34 games (three starts) with the Kings and Pacers, and has tallied 6.3 ppg and 5.3 rpg (2.3 orpg) in 15.3 mpg.

Thompson’s teams have also made five trips to the NBA Playoffs, including four consecutive appearances in the NBA Finals from 2015-18. In postseason play, he has played in 83 playoff games (70 starts) and posted 7.8 ppg (.566 from the field) and 8.6 rpg (3.8 orpg) in 29.6 mpg.

McKinnie saw action in 17 games (three starts) with Chicago, and averaged 3.5 ppg and 1.9 rpg in 12.1 mpg.

NBA trade sends Domantas Sabonis to Kings, Tyrese Haliburton to Pacers

The Sacramento Kings announced today that the team has acquired forward-center Domantas Sabonis, forward Justin Holiday, guard Jeremy Lamb and a 2023 second-round draft selection from the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield and Tristan Thompson.

“We are ecstatic to welcome Domantas, Justin and Jeremy to our Sacramento Kings family,” said Kings General Manager Monte McNair. “This was a unique opportunity to acquire a two-time All-Star and two veteran wings, all whom will help us, as we continue to build here in Sacramento. We would also like to thank Tyrese, Buddy and Tristan for their contributions to the Kings and wish them well moving forward.”

During the 2021-22 campaign, Sabonis is averaging 18.9 points (.580 FG%, .324 3pt%, .740 FT%), 12.1 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 34.7 minutes per game in 47 games (46 starts). A former 11th overall selection in the 2016 draft by the Orlando Magic, Sabonis currently ranks third in the NBA in double-doubles with 34 and sixth in triple-doubles with five, while ranking fourth in the Association in rebounds per game and fifth in field goal percentage.

The Gonzaga product has garnered career averages of 14.2 points (.533 FG%, .322 3pt%, .727 FT%), 9.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 28.3 minutes per game in 400 games (260 starts) with the Oklahoma City Thunder (2016-17) and Indiana Pacers (2017-22).

Holiday brings eight years of experience to Sacramento holding career averages of 8.7 points (.401 FG%, .366 3pt%, .821 FT%), 3.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 551 games (260 starts) with the Philadelphia 76ers (2012-13), Golden State Warriors (2014-15), Atlanta Hawks (2015-16), Chicago Bulls (2015-16, 2017-18), New York Knicks (2016-17), Memphis Grizzlies (2018-19) and Indiana (2019-22).

In his tenth season from Connecticut, Lamb has accrued career averages of 10.2 points (.440 FG%, .344 3pt%, .857 FT%), 3.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.7 steals and 20.8 minutes per game in 556 contests (136 starts) for three teams: Oklahoma City (2012-15), Charlotte (2015-19) and Indiana (2019-22).

Three-team NBA trade sends Tristan Thompson to Kings

The Atlanta Hawks today announced the team has acquired guard Delon Wright as part of a three-team transaction with the Boston Celtics and Sacramento Kings. Kris Dunn, Bruno Fernando and a 2023 second round pick go to Boston, while Sacramento receives Tristan Thompson.

The second-round pick being conveyed is Portland’s own second-round pick that Atlanta had received from the Los Angeles Clippers as part of a trade for Lou Williams on March 25, 2021.

“One of our priorities entering the offseason was to solidify the backup point guard spot. Delon is a consistent two-way guard who has been a part of several successful teams. We think he’s a great fit here.” said Hawks President of Basketball Operations/General Manager Travis Schlenk. “I’d also like to thank Bruno and Kris for their contributions to the Hawks, and I want to wish them well as they continue their careers.”

Wright appeared in 63 games (39 starts) last season with Detroit and Sacramento, averaging career-highs of 10.2 points, 4.4 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.6 steals in a career-best 27.7 minutes (.463 FG%, .372 3FG%, .802 FT%). He scored 10-or-more points 30 times and 20-or-better six times, recording double figure assists twice. Wright ranked tied for seventh in the NBA in spg.

In 334 career regular season games (62 starts) with Toronto, Memphis, Dallas, Detroit and Sacramento, the 6’5 guard has compiled 7.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.1 steals in 21.3 minutes (.453 FG%, .350 3FG%, .792 FT%). In 32 postseason contests with the Raptors and Mavericks, he’s averaged 4.4 points, 1.4 assists and 1.3 rebounds in 12.5 minutes (.467 FG%, .400 3FG%, .756 FT%).

Selected by Toronto in the first round (20th overall) of the 2015 NBA Draft, the native of Los Angeles played his final two collegiate seasons at Utah after transferring from City College of San Francisco. In 68 career games (all starts) with the Utes, he averaged 15.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.1 blocks in 34.8 minutes. He was the recipient of the 2015 Bob Cousy award, given to the nation’s top point guard. Wright earned All-Pac 12 First Team and Pac 12 All-Defensive Team honors in both of his seasons with Utah.

Wright’s brother, Dorell, played 11 seasons in the NBA with Miami, Golden State, Philadelphia and Portland.

# TrueToAtlanta #

Tristan Thompson fined, has flagrant foul downgraded

Tristan Thompson fined, has flagrant foul downgraded

Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson has been fined $25,000 for failing to leave the court in a timely manner following his ejection and for shoving the basketball in the face of Golden State Warriors forward/center Draymond Green, it was announced today by Kiki VanDeWeghe, Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations.

The incident occurred with 2.6 seconds remaining in overtime of the Warriors’ 124-114 win over the Cavaliers on Thursday, May 31 at Oracle Arena.

Thompson’s Flagrant 2, which was assessed for his actions in contesting a jump shot by Warriors guard Shaun Livingston, was downgraded to a Flagrant 1 upon league office review. The foul occurred directly prior to Thompson’s interaction with Green.

So, no fear of suspension for Thompson for NBA Finals Game 2 Sunday night in Oakland.

Tristan Thompson now Cavs starting center

Here’s ESPN.com with a big roster rotation update on the Cavs, who will be making a move many people had been expecting them to make:

Tristan Thompson now Cavs starting center

Cleveland Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue said he is making Tristan Thompson the Cavs’ starting center for the foreseeable future — including to start the playoffs — before his team’s game against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday.

Lue previously swapped Thompson in for Timofey Mozgov in the starting lineup in the Cavs’ 105-102 loss to the Chicago Bulls on Saturday.

When asked for his motivation behind the move, Lue said: “I just wanted to.”

Thompson is averaging 8.4 points on 59.9 percent shooting and 10 rebounds in 32 starts this season and 7.6 points on 58.7 percent shooting and 8.5 rebounds in 48 games coming off the bench.

No Tristan Thompson, Cavs agreement yet

No Tristan Thompson, Cavs agreement yet

Here’s the News Herald reporting on the Cleveland Cavaliers, who hope to retain the services of rugged role-playing power forward Tristan Thompson but apparently haven’t come to a final free agent contract agreement just yet:

No Tristan Thompson, Cavs agreement yet

We’re not privy to what caused the interruption in the Cavs’ bliss. All we know is that there was a snag and Thompson has yet to agree to a deal.

It’s undoubtedly not the length of the contract. The five-year deal is the maximum allowed under the NBA’s salary-cap regulations.

Maybe Thompson wants a player’s option in the final year of the contract.

Perhaps it’s coming down to dollars and cents (sense?). The most the Cavs can offer him under the rules is around $90 million. The Cavs were reportedly offering $80 million. That’s the difference of him making $16 million a year as opposed to $18 million.

For as much as I respect Thompson’s lunch-pail game, that’s a lot of money for a 10.1-point career scorer.

Tristan Thompson making big plays for Cavs

Tristan Thompson making big plays for Cavs

The Cavaliers lead the Hawks 3-0 in their Eastern Conference Finals playoff series. Here’s the Akron Beacon Journal reporting on one of the most important members of Cleveland’s postseason squad:

Tristan Thompson making big plays for Cavs

No one will read about double-digit rebounds regarding Tristan Thompson’s performance Sunday night at Quicken Loans Arena in Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals, one the Cavs won in overtime 114-111. The Cavs now own a 3-0 lead in the series.

Though the numbers are respectable [10 points, seven rebounds], his contributions came down to two huge plays – one in regulation and a more significant one in the overtime.

Thompson, playing with five fouls since the 6:09 mark of the fourth quarter, worked as if he had no worries. In the overtime, he grabbed an offensive rebound with 36.9 seconds left on the clock and the Cavs trailing 111-109. He found a wide-open LeBron James in the left corner of the court and James connected on his only three-point shot of six attempts on the night.

“When I got that rebound I was hoping I didn’t get pushed out of bounds like the last one [just moments before], but I stayed in bound,” he said. “Got my balance and looked for the open teammate and that was LeBron.”