The Cleveland Cavaliers would be willing to move big man Tristan Thompson if the trade is right, reports Shams Charania of The Vertical:
Multiple NBA teams have cited Tristan Thompson as an asset Cleveland is willing to move in the right deal, such as one for the Los Angeles Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan. Nevertheless, the superstar talent of Oklahoma City’s Paul George or New Orleans’ DeMarcus Cousins, each deserving of that Nets first-rounder, won’t see the light in this trade market as of right now, league sources said, as those teams are fully focused on winning with each respective player.
Tristan Thompson and LeBron James share an agent, and James has always been a big advocate of Thompson’s. This newfound willingness to trade Thompson could be a reflection that James has cooled on keeping Thompson around as the big man’s play has worsened. It could also mean that the Cavs are putting less stock in the desires of the best player in the world – whom they’re not sure will be sticking around past this season.
It won’t be easy to get much value in return for Thompson. After all, he’s in year three of a five-year, $82 million contract.
Plus, there’s the matter of Thompson’s performance this season. The 26-year-old has been hampered by injuries, appearing in just 21 games and starting in five. He’s playing a career-low 19 minutes per game, and his numbers have dipped accordingly.
