Cleveland Cavs veteran center Tristan Thompson is heading back to The Land. Thompson is currently finalizing a deal that will keep him with the Cavs for the upcoming season, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
“Free agent C Tristan Thompson is finalizing a one-year deal to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, sources tell ESPN,” Wojnarowski said. “Thompson has played 10 of his 13 seasons with the Cavs. President Koby Altman and Klutch CEO Rich Paul are finishing up an agreement.”
Cavs Nation’s response to the news on X, formerly Twitter, with positive reviews, considering Cleveland’s depth at the center position.
After inking superstar Donovan Mitchell to a three-year, $150.3 million extension, Cleveland re-signed Jarrett Allen to a three-year, $90.7 million deal, stabilizing the franchise’s two pillars on both ends of the floor. It also keeps its core of starters, including power forward Evan Mobley and guard Darius Garland, under contract through 2027-28.
After suffering a rib injury in Game 1 of the Cavs’ first-round series against the Orlando Magic, Allen tried to play through the pain in Games 2 through 4 before missing the rest of the postseason. As the Cavs bring him back into the fold for 2024-25, they will take their time to ensure their starting center is healthy for a deep run in the playoffs.
This is an opportunity for guys like Thompson to pick up the slack as Allen works his way back, giving the Cavs depth at center. The Cavs also signed free-agent power forwards/centers Emoni Bates and JT Thor.
Tristan Thompson returns for his 11th season with the Cavs
David Richard-Imagn Images
Last season, Tristan Thompson put on a Cavs uniform for the first time since 2020. He spent the previous regular season unsigned before latching onto the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the postseason. Then, Thompson returned to Cleveland on a one-year deal ahead of 2023-24.
In January, Thompson was suspended for 25 games after testing positive for two banned substances. He finished the season averaging 3.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 11.2 minutes in 49 regular season games last season. Perhaps a clean slate under the new voice in head coach Kenny Atkinson will be a breath of fresh air the veteran needs to spearhead Cleveland’s frontcourt court from a leadership standpoint.
The Cavs drafted Thompson fourth overall in the 2011 NBA Draft. Alongside superstar LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Love, Thompson helped Cleveland secure their franchise’s lone championship against Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and the Golden State Warriors in the 2016 NBA Finals.
