Tristan Thompson’s stint with the Indiana Pacers ended sooner than anyone expected. After playing just four games with the franchise, Thompson was shown the way out and is currently in the process of clearing his waivers.
Thompson arrived in Indiana ahead of the trade deadline as part of the deal that sent All-Star Domantas Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings. The 30-year-old Thompson averaged 7.3 points and 4.5 rebounds in the Pacers’ jersey before being waived.
Despite not being wanted by the Pacers, Thompson won’t be on the free-agent market for too long. Indiana’s head coach Rick Carlisle already told reporters after the 113-108 win over the Washington Wizards that the veteran center intends to sign with the Chicago Bulls. The Athletic’s Shams Charania also reported the same news, who said Thompson would join the Bulls once he clears waivers.
Thompson could prove to be a good pickup for the Bulls. He has championship experience and is still a good rebounder and defender who can help take some load off of starter Nikola Vucevic. The move was even endorsed by Chicago’s All-Star DeMar DeRozan, who called Thompson a “great dude,” and a “good friend.”
“Got the utmost respect for him off the court. Obviously, we all know what he brings on the court,” DeRozan added. “Think it will be great addition for us. Veteran leadership.”
Tristan Thompson entered the NBA in 2011 as Cleveland Cavaliers’ fourth overall pick. He spent nine seasons with the franchise, during which he won an NBA championship, before leaving as a free agent and signing with the Boston Celtics in 2020. Thompson, who has career averages of 9.1 points and 8.5 rebounds, spent one year in Boston before being traded to the Kings ahead of the 2021-22 season.
