NBA Rumors: Celtics Land Thompson, Dash All Hopes Of Reunion With Lue In Los Angeles

KEY POINTS

Tristan Thompson agreed to a two-year deal with the Celtics worth $19 million
He was previously linked with the Lakers and Clippers
Thompson's rumored move to the Clippers could have reunited him with former coach Tyronn Lue

The Los Angeles Clippers find themselves losing a vital player with Montrezl Harrell opting to join the Los Angeles Lakers on a two-year deal. There are several big names to consider and one name that makes sense is Tristan Thompson. However, all this has become impossible now that the Canadian has signed with the Boston Celtics.

Thompson was also linked to the Lakers. The reason behind this is because the 29-year-old has a close relationship with LeBron James.

With Harrell now in tow, the Lakers may have taken themselves out of the Thompson chase. However, there was a chance that Thompson could move to Los Angeles but with the Clippers, Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com reported.

The move would have reunited Thompson with former coach Tyronn Lue. Both worked together from 2016 to 2018 and were part of the 2016 NBA champion club.

“Going from being a fan to an opponent and then a teammate, Tristan has always been one of the good guys,” Thompson’s now-former teammate Larry Nance Jr. told Cleveland.com of the move. “His jersey deserves to hang in the rafters.”

Nance also bid goodbye to his former teammate via Twitter while also taking a jab at Thompson’s jumping ability.

“My brother! @RealTristan13 go be great!! just don’t ever jump with me,” he tweeted.

My brother! @RealTristan13 go be great!! just don’t ever jump with me 😂 https://t.co/EBP067X8at
— Larry Nance Jr (@Larrydn22) November 22, 2020

Thompson is a whole lot different if compared to Harrell. The latter is a better scorer, but Thompson is someone who can bulk up their defense and rebounding needs. Last season, Thompson played in 57 games, averaging 12 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists.

The Cavs were considering keeping the Canadian until word got out that Thompson agreed to a two-year deal with the Celtics worth $19 million, Joe Vardon of The Athletic reported. The one-time NBA champion is expected to become Boston's starting center.

Thompson is coming off a five-year $82 million deal with the Cavaliers and made it clear that he will not settle for anything less. With the deal he agreed to with the Celtics, it appears he has relaxed that demand.