The Cleveland Cavaliers have until 3 p.m. ET on Thursday to trade big man Tristan Thompson. If not, he is probably going to spend the rest of the 2019-20 campaign on the Cavs’ roster.
According to Christopher Reina of RealGM, Thompson will not accept a buyout if he is not dealt before the trade deadline.
Reina notes that multiple teams have been discussing Thompson trades with the Cavaliers, although a deal for Thompson will be somewhat complicated to consummate given that he is earning $18.5 million this season and will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Obviously, Thompson, who has NBA Finals experience, would be a valuable addition to the roster of any contender, but whether or not Cleveland can actually find a trade for him is another story.
In 48 games this season, the 28-year-old is averaging 11.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists over 31 minutes per game while shooting 50.8 percent from the floor and 63.8 percent from the free-throw line.
Thompson, who played his collegiate basketball at the University of Texas, was originally selected by the Cavs with the fourth overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft.
He has been a member of the Cavaliers ever since, helping the team reach four straight NBA Finals between 2015 and 2018 and playing a significant role in Cleveland’s championship victory over the Golden State Warriors in 2016.
Thompson owns career averages of 9.4 points and 8.7 boards across 28.1 minutes a night while making 51.8 percent of his field-goal attempts and 61.2 percent of his foul shots.
The Cavs currently own a record of 13-39 and are clearly in rebuilding mode.