Free agent center Tristan Thompson has found a team in free agency, and it’s not the Cavaliers.
Instead, Thompson is headed to the Celtics on a two-year contract. Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports broke the news.
The Celtics used their full midlevel exception to come to terms, a source said. Per Haynes, Thompson’s deal totals $19 million.
Thompson had drawn interest from multiple teams since the start of free agency Friday. The list included the Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers. The Cavs also had an interest in bringing him back.
The Cavs did make Thompson an offer, sources said, but it was not as substantial as the one made by the Celtics.
Thompson, 29, is an unrestricted free agent, meaning the Cavs cannot match the offer.
He was drafted by the Cavs with the No. 4 overall pick in 2011 and remained with the franchise until now, winning a championship in 2016.
He was asked by Amico Hoops before the season if he wanted to stay with the franchise.
“I got drafted here and I won a championship here. I have great memories here,” he told Amico Hoops at the time. “I am a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers and it is my job to punch the clock and come to work every day for the organization. That is how I approach it.”
Thompson continued.
“There are people who get paid for the business side — (agent) Rich Paul and Koby Altman and others. That business stuff is all for them,” he said. “For me, it’s about just being a player. You know? Don’t overstep your boundaries. Just play basketball, and let the guys you pay to be businessmen do their jobs.”
Thompson joins a Celtics team that features veteran point guard Kemba Walker, as well as young stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The Celtics advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals before being eliminated by the Miami Heat.
Thompson averaged a career-high 12.0 points and 10.1 rebounds last season. Teams all around the league admire his relentless approach in rebounding. He is always willing to grab offensive rebounds, then hand the ball off to the team’s top scorers for an extra shot at the basket.
The Cavaliers’ list of veteran big men now currently consists solely of center Andre Drummond, power forward Kevin Love and forward/center Larry Nance Jr.
Love is now the only remaining member of the title team, as guard Matthew Dellavedova is an unrestricted free agent.
