Veteran big man Tristan Thompson wasn’t in the Sacramento Kings’ rotation leading up to the NBA Trade Deadline and was a prime candidate to be moved. He was part of the blockbuster trade that landed Domantas Sabonis in Sacramento, with Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield heading to Indiana.
Because of injuries to their frontcourt, Thompson was back in the rotation with the Pacers. He played in four games with the team, but Wednesday night’s game against the Washington Wizards was his last in Indiana.
Thompson went out with a bang, scoring 17 points on 8-of-9 from the field, grabbing six rebounds to go along with one block. Following the 113-108 victory, head coach Rick Carlisle revealed that Thompson would be moving on as the team would be buying him out. He also revealed which team he would be joining.
“We thanked him for what he’s brought for the last six or seven days,” Carlisle said. “He brought a high level of professionalism and he’s done a really good job.
“I don’t mind announcing it because it’s going to happen and what the heck. There’s nothing wrong with speaking the truth. It’s the rare instance where you get to thank a guy in the presence of his teammates. And these guys have an awful lot of respect for who he is and what he’s accomplished in the league.”
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That is a big acquisition for the Chicago Bulls, who have needed frontcourt help behind Nikola Vucevic all season long. Thompson should step right into a prominent role as the backup center along with Tony Bradley, providing the depth Chicago has been on the lookout for.
This decision will have a major trickle-down effect on the rest of the buyout market. It was widely believed that the Los Angeles Lakers would be in on Thompson, but he is passing up the familiarity of playing with LeBron James to join a true contender in the Chicago Bulls.
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The Golden State Warriors were another team that would have been a logical spot for Tristan Thompson, as they could use a backup center with James Wiseman still not available to play. They will also be looking elsewhere now.
Teams in need of a center are patiently waiting for the Orlando Magic to engage in buyout talks with Robin Lopez. He will have numerous suitors. Two more names to watch for are Derrick Favors and Mike Muscala of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
