Long-time Cleveland Cavaliers big man Tristan Thompson is heading for a new team in free agency, according to his agent Rich Paul.
The free agent center, who has spent the past nine seasons with the Cavs after being drafted 4th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft, has agreed to a new contract with the Boston Celtics.
The terms and length of the deal were not immediately reported.
Thompson, who helped the Cavaliers win the 2016 NBA Championship, was figured to be wanting an opportunity to leave for a contender after playing for the struggling post-LeBron James Cavs over the past two seasons.
Despite his team’s weaknesses, Thompson continued to post strong numbers for a big man and even took steps forward offensively. The Canadian big man averaged 12.0 points per game on 51.2% shooting in 2019-20, the best scoring numbers of his career.
A strong rebounder and a physical presence in the paint, Thompson has surpassed double-digits in rebounds per game over the past two seasons as well.
He is expected to step into an important role for the Celtics next season, stepping in as the team’s starting center as they look to build upon a 2019-20 season which saw them reach the Eastern Conference Finals.
Expect Thompson’s deal to be officially announced over the next few days.
