Former NBA Champion and longtime Cleveland Cavalier Tristan Thompson is likely not returning to the team per Sam Amico. Thompson spent last season and his first nine NBA seasons with Cleveland after being drafted fourth overall in 2011.
Not related to this link, but someone asked “will Tristan Thompson be back with Cavs?” Answer: No. https://t.co/d10vydVG5C
— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) August 7, 2024
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NBA Champion Not Returning to Cavs
Thompson rejoined the Cavs ahead of the 2023-24 campaign to provide center depth behind starter Jarrett Allen. The Cavs underwent a plethora of injuries during the season allowing Thompson to play a larger role than expected. The 33-year-old averaged 3.3 points and 3.6 rebounds in 11.2 minutes per game. Thompson provided energy and rebounding to the Cavs’ second unit.
By not re-signing Thompson the Cavs are left with a void at the backup center spot heading into this season. Both Thompson and Damian Jones have not received extensions and it is more than likely the team will look elsewhere to fill the spot.
Thompson’s Tenure
Thompson ends his Cavs tenure as a fan favorite. The 2016 NBA Champion played a key role in helping win Cleveland’s only championship. Since being drafted in 2011, Thompson averaged 8.7 points and 8.1 rebounds for his career. He has played nearly 800 games in his NBA career across 13 seasons.
Who’s a Replacement?
Again, if the Cavs elect not to keep either Jones or Thompson they will have a roster spot to fill ahead of this fall. Here are a few names to look out for.
1. JaVale McGee – Sacramento Kings
JaVale McGee could be an option for the Cavs. McGee played the majority of the shortened 2020-21 season with Cleveland before he was traded. In 33 games he averaged eight points and 5.2 rebounds off the bench. McGee would continue the theme of Cavs backup center prototypes having high energy and rebounding. McGee played last season with the Sacramento Kings and remains unsigned currently. If the Cavs are looking for a cheap backup center they should look no further than McGee.
2. Omer Yurtseven – Utah Jazz
Omer Yurtseven is a product of Heat Culture under Erik Spoelstra. He played his first two seasons in Miami before joining the Jazz for this past season. Last season he averaged 4.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game off Utah’s bench. Throughout the course of his career, Yurtseven has been an efficient scorer shooting 53.5% for his career. Yet again, Yurtseven would be a solid add for rebounding off the Cavs bench.
The Last Word
Overall, it is still unknown who the Cavs could bring in as possible replacements if they decide against bringing back their two backup bigs from last season.
Cleveland moving on from Thompson keeps the door open for the Cavs backup big spot. The Cavs are still yet to address what is quite a glaring need. It seems more than likely that the team will make a trade or sign one of the remaining free agents. Similar to what they did last year to bring in Jones from Utah. Considering the Cavs injury history whoever is brought in will play a big role in the Cavs’ upcoming campaign.
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