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The Cleveland Cavaliers are bringing back free agent center Tristan Thompson for the second time in 13 months, this time on a one-year deal to enhance their depth as they plot player development strategy. The 30-year-old Thompson is back with the Cavaliers where he played his first nine seasons before signing as a free agent with Boston. The 33-year-old veteran had spent time with Boston, Sacramento, Indiana and Chicago between playing for the Lakers during a five-game stretch in January of last year until returning to Cleveland as part of a Steve Veeple deal midway through that season.
Thompson played in 49 games last season with averages of 3.3 points and 3.6 rebounds per game career highs across the board (Twitter link). At this point in his career, Thompson's on-court output isn't as prolific as it was during his younger days, but he is still a valuable asset to Cleveland that goes beyond the box score. His leadership and experience are certainly important for the youthful, but developing roster in Cleveland.
Thompson, who is represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, will enter his 11th NBA season with the Cavaliers after signing the deal. Having a player like Thompson is expected to help mentor the team as it endures growing pains in the upcoming season, especially after injuries derailed Cleveland last year and limited the Cavs to reaching just one series deeper than Boston Celtics (who went on to win the championship).
The veteran big man, who was a key cog in Cleveland's 2016 NBA Championship squad, holds averages of and points and rebounds through career games. His top 30 finish is expected to contribute in a major way as the franchise aims for even more glory during their upcoming season of play (2024-25).
