Though we are still in the middle of trade deadline season, it may be time to start preparing for the next phase of NBA drama: buyout season.
NBA reporter Evan Sidery spoke this week on 1075 The Fan in Indianapolis and reported that Tristan Thompson, who was just acquired by the Indiana Pacers as part of the Domantas Sabonis trade, will likely seek a buyout.
“Tristan Thompson will not play a single game with the Pacers,” said Sidery. “It sounds like he wants to go to a contender and compete for a title before he retires. So, expect Tristan Thompson not to be on the Pacers anytime soon. He’s gonna be bought out.”
The 30-year-old Thompson played with LeBron James in Cleveland for four seasons, making the Finals all four years and winning it all in 2016. Though Sidery did not mention any possible landing spots for Thompson, the rugged rebounder has a skillset that may be attractive to many teams. James’ Los Angeles Lakers, for one, have not gotten consistent production from a true 5 this season. The Golden State Warriors, who are relying on Kevon Looney and rookie Jonathan Kuminga in the absences of Draymond Green and James Wiseman, and the Milwaukee Bucks, who are doing the same with Bobby Portis and the ancient Greg Monroe in Brook Lopez’s continued absence, are also a couple of contenders who need more frontcourt depth.
What makes Thompson a likely buyout candidate is his cheap deal (he is in the final year of his contract, making $9.7 million this season) and the fact that the Pacers are a non-contending team at 19-37. If Thompson does land with another club though, he may be quite the character to integrate.
Photo: Jan 21, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) against the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
