Lakers News: Tristan Thompson Rejoins Cleveland Cavaliers in Major Move.
Tristan Thompson is heading back to the Cleveland Cavaliers on a one-year deal, likely at the veteran minimum, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. This move comes after his brief stint with the Los Angeles Lakers during their playoff run last season. Thompson, a 6-foot-9 power forward/center, is best known for his time with the Cavaliers, where he was drafted fourth overall in 2011. He played a significant role in the team’s success during the LeBron James era, contributing to four consecutive NBA Finals appearances from 2014 to 2018. Notably, he started all 21 games during Cleveland’s
championship run in 2016. After LeBron’s departure, Thompson remained with the Cavaliers until 2020, when he signed a two-year, $19 million contract with the Boston Celtics. During his nine seasons in Cleveland, Thompson averaged 9.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and shot 51.8% from the field. Thompson was traded to the Sacramento Kings ahead of the 2021-22 season, then again to the Indiana Pacers midway through the year. He negotiated a contract buyout and signed with the Chicago Bulls, but quickly fell out of Chicago’s lineup even as the team fought for its playoff life. Thompson joined the Lakers at the end of the 2022-23 season to bolster their bench for the playoffs. Although he played
limited minutes behind All-Star Anthony Davis, he managed to contribute during the Lakers’ run to the Western Conference Finals, averaging 1.8 points and 1.7 rebounds in six playoff games. Now back in Cleveland, Thompson will serve as a veteran presence on a team led by All-Star Donovan Mitchell and rising stars Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. With a new head coach at the helm, the Cavaliers are looking for Thompson to provide leadership and experience as they aim to build on their recent playoff success.
