When Cleveland Cavaliers traded for All-Star center Andre Drummond in February, it appeared that Tristan Thompson’s time with the organization was coming to an end. But according to recent reports, Cavs might try and keep Thompson after all.
Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com reports that the Cavaliers attempted to negotiate an extension with Thompson, who is in the final year of his deal, earlier in the season. The talks between the two sides didn’t end well, and Cavs opted to acquire Drummond from the Detroit Pistons. Yet the organization still wants to keep one of the rare leftovers from 2016’s title-winning team.
Fedor adds that the Cavs will open negotiations with Thompson against this offseason and would be even interested in offering him a one-year agreement. This would enable the 30-year-old a short-time stability, while he could enter the free agency market again in 2021 when the market improves.
The reason why Cavaliers want to bring back Thompson so bad is the fact that he’s a very popular figure with the fans and has been a positive influence on the team’s young core. Also, he has been putting up career numbers all across the boards before the NBA suspended the 2019/20 season, averaging 12.0 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.
