While the rest of the 2019/20 season is up in the air for every NBA player, it’s an especially uncertain time for the players who were set to hit free agency this summer. One of those players is Cavaliers big man Tristan Thompson.
A key part of the Cavs’ 2016 NBA championship, Thompson has had an up-and-down tenure in Cleveland. This season, Thompson was averaging 12.0 PPG (a career-high) and 10.1 RPG in 57 games (51 starts) before the coronavirus pandemic stopped play. Regardless of what happens to the 2019/20 campaign, the Cavaliers are already set to enter next season with Larry Nance Jr., Kevin Love and Andre Drummond in their frontcourt, so it’s not clear if Thompson will be part of the team’s future plans.
In a conference call with reporters, including Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, Thompson discussed some topics, including his tenure in and future in the NBA.
Check out some highlights below:
Thompson’s thoughts on his upcoming free agency:
“(It hasn’t) crossed my mind at all. I don’t like to think too far ahead or think maybe or what-if. I just try to look at it, just the reality of everything now, what’s in front of us.
“No one is thinking about free agency, they’re thinking about how we’re going to get some games going. In terms of free agency stuff, I let Rich Paul handle that. He’s the best in the game. Keep the main focus the main focus and that’s staying ready to play some basketball, whenever that may be. In terms of free agency and whether guys are going to take one-year deals, the cap situation, guys are going to do what’s best for them and their family. My approach right now is just enjoy family time and stay basketball ready.”
On his tenure with the Cavaliers:
“Being in my ninth season, never thought in a million years I would have the success I’ve had. Taking it one day at a time and enjoying every bit of it. Meeting so many great people, being part of a franchise and city that’s been through so many tough times and being able to break the 52-year drought — that was the most important thing I think in my time here. I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
On the players’ main concern with resuming the season:
“I think the main concern is just how can we do it in a way where everyone’s at peace when they go to work? As long as guys aren’t second guessing or hesitating and then we could start moving forward, but none of that can be done until there’s a direction with our country you know in terms of what we’re doing health-wise.”
I hate it when a player says they aren’t thinking about free agency.
Thompson to the Raptors
as a raptors fan, no thanks
Mavericks.
Idk I believe with cap going down they’ll be able to sign back gasol and ibaka back for less money.
Nah I think Ibaka will walk to Houston. Team mate with former team mates James Harden and Russell Westbrook and give them a PF/C that can space the floor, rebound and protect the rim. They can play Tucker and Covington at C/PF all year plus playoffs.
As for Gasol I’m sure he isn’t money chasing but maybe he wants to get another ring. He would make the Celtics and Clippers title favourites for sure.
Which then makes the Raptors need to replace both of them and I think Tristan Thompson who is from Canada and has won rings before could be their guy. He’s really improved on his shooting recently and has always been good at rebounding and defending.
Ibaka to Rockets (2 years 20mil)
Gasol to Clippers/Celtics (1year 5mil)
Thompson to Raptors (2 years 20mil)
He’s goner. Not worth the money. Only plays for contract. He’s a 10 n 10 guy with gd defense. When he is at his best. He was lucky Bron needed him. Cavs don’t need him now. Nance is solid backing Love. I doubt he gets 10 mill as FA.