Tristan Thompson – Indiana Pacers

One name that is not getting enough attention post-trade deadline is Tristan Thompson. 

Since emerging as a key rebounding talent in the playoffs with the Cavaliers during the 2014-15 season, Tristan Thompson has always been viewed as a “bruiser-like” big man, but has been unable to find consistency on a team’s roster. 

Since leaving the Cavaliers following the 2019-20 season, Thompson has been a member of the Celtics, Kings and now finds himself in Indiana with the Pacers. However, it does not appear that Tristan Thompson’s long-term future will be in Indiana. 

The veteran center is in the final year of his contract and is making $9.7 million. Depending on how long Myles Turner will be sidelined for with his foot injury could very well factor into the Pacers’ decision to keep Thompson through the end of the season, but this franchise does appear to be moving forward with young frontcourt options like Oshae Brissett, Goga Bitadze and Isaiah Jackson. 

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Tristan Thompson does not fit into the big picture in Indiana, but he could be a high-impact frontcourt option for the Chicago Bulls should he be bought out of his contract. 

Behind Nikola Vucevic, the Bulls really do not have many options, as Tony Bradley has not made an impact off-the-bench this season and Derrick Jones Jr. is not really a true center. 

In the playoffs, Vucevic is not going to be able to play all 48 minutes every single game and someone like Jones Jr. or Bradley will not be able to defend the interior against guys like Joel Embiid, Giannis Anteotkounmpo or Bam Adebayo. 

Tristan Thompson though can hold his own against those guys given his big frame and ability to crash the glass on both ends of the floor. The Bulls were interested in adding another big man at the trade deadline, so it would not be surprising to see them pursue Thompson should he become available.