NBA Trade Rumors: Cavaliers Should Revisit Plans Of Keeping Underperforming Center

The Cleveland Cavaliers are rebuilding and are obviously investing in youth. Head coach John Beilein is looking for young guns that they can develop, both existing and upcoming amateur standouts. This may be bad news for the Cavs, especially the veteran. One player that could be eventually heading out is Tristan Thompson.

In a previous post, it was mentioned how the Cavs wanted to keep the 28-year-old big man because the team was pretty fond of him. In fact, it was also mentioned how the Cavs would want to re-sign him as early as now. It appears the tide has changed with Thompson not exactly delivering great numbers. Worse, he expects to get a max contract before the next NBA season.

For the 2019-20 NBA season, the fourth overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft is averaging 12.8 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. Without question, there are career-highs for the 6-foot-9 center-forward. However, they may not be enough to net him a max contract.

With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching, Thompson could be on the block, USA Today reported. The Cavs would settle for a future first-rounder – something that would align with their youth movement. But would any team give up such for the former NBA champion?

Thompson can undoubtedly be of help to any team wanting to beef up for the NBA playoffs. But there is the question of what these potential teams can offer. Further, would the Cavs (or any team that takes him in) want to gamble on the Canadian and his expiring deal?

Some could take the chance. One team linked to him is the Toronto Raptors – mainly because he is a native of Canada. But as far as getting a max contract, it is something that will be up for debate.

Back in 2015, Thompson was caught in a four-month contract stalemate that forced him to miss training camp. Though he ended up getting an $82 million deal, some feel that he was hardly worth that much. Five years have passed and his numbers hardly become eye-popping. He is having a good season but such is expected because Thompson is on an expiring deal. Would this performance be enough to net a max contract this summer? It won’t come as a surprise if contract talks will get stalled once more.