The NBA trade is almost upon us and many teams are expected to be active. There are a plethora of NBA veterans who could be on the move as selling teams look to acquire assets. One player that many teams are looking to acquire is Tristan Thompson.
Thompson has been a staple on the Cleveland Cavaliers since he was drafted and is having the best season of his career, posting career highs in points per game and rebounds per game. With the Cavs currently rebuilding, Thompson looks to be expendable and should get them some great assets. Here are five teams that could look to trade for Tristan Thompson.
Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs have had a season for the ages this year and trading for Thompson could improve their title chances. Coming into the season, it can be said that no one expected the Mavs to be as good as they have been. Led by Luka Doncic, this team is 30-19 and only 2 games back of the 4th seed. With the recent season-ending injury to Dwight Powell, the Mavs will be in the market for a center and Thompson would be the perfect addition.
A potential trade would be Courtney Lee, Justin Jackson, and multiple 2nd round picks in exchange for Tristan Thompson. Thompson would be a force for the Mavs providing them with rebounding and paint defense. Looking at the Cavs, Justin Jackson is a young player would turn his career around in Cleveland. The 2nd round picks could be used in future trades or used to acquire more talent in the draft.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics have established themselves as one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference but, they have one glaring hole that they must fix. After an offseason in which they lost Al Horford, many people, including the Celtics, knew that the center position would be something that they would have to address during the season. Injuries at the position have just added insult to injury and if they want to compete with teams such as the Bucks or the Sixers, they must do whatever it takes to acquire a center like Tristan Thompson.
A potential trade would be Tristan Thompson in exchange for the Memphis Grizzlies’ first-round picks and cap fillers. Thompson would add rebounding to the Celtics as well as bolster that paint defense. His veteran leadership would also be a bonus and being in a winning environment could bolster his play even more. For the Cavs, that Memphis pick will likely be in the low teens and with it, they could find themselves an impactful player in this upcoming draft.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The OKC Thunder are peaking and they look like a team that could cause some havoc in the playoffs. A trade for Thompson may be confusing at this current moment but his contract increases his value towards the Thunder. A potential trade would be Tristan Thompson and Matthew Dellavedova for Steven Adams.
Thompson would provide similar play/impact to this team and both his and Dellavedova’s contracts are up at the end of this year, so it gives the Thunder a chance to make a splash move this offseason if they decide to. Adams is 2 years younger than Thompson, so he fits the Cavs timeline better and his added size would give the Cavs an intimidator in the paint.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers had one of the best offseasons in recent memory as they were able to acquire superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Though they have gotten off to a 34-15 record, they have had a lot of internal issues that must be fixed. Also, their paint defense is suspect and if they want to be able to isolate a player like Anthony Davis, they should look to acquire a defensive-minded center.
A potential trade would be Tristan Thompson in exchange for Moe Harkless, Mfiondu Kabengele, and their 2020 first-round pick. Thompson would improve a paint defense that hasn’t been the best and would be another big to throw at Anthony Davis.
Looking at the Cavs, Kabengele could become a nice rim-runner for them as his athleticism can turn help to shape him into an impactful player. The pick will be in the late 20s or early 30s and could be used to move up in the draft or used to acquire another young player to add to their young core.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs’ historic run of making the playoffs could come to an end this season if they do not make a change. Currently, their center is lacking a bit and acquiring some new face could prove to be beneficial for this team. A potential trade would be Tristan Thompson for Rudy Gay and Jakob Poeltl. Adding Thompson would allow Aldridge to move back to the power forward position where he would continue to find success. Thompson would add rebounding and defense to this Spurs team and his leadership could improve the teams’ play.
Jakob Poeltl has been a great rim protector this year and at only 24, he could be a great addition to the Cavs and would be a staple on the team for many years to come.
Next
Looking Back At Kobe Bryant’s Illustrious Career
NBA Rumors: The Best Players The Lakers Can Get For Kyle Kuzma
NBA Rumors: Warriors Could Trade D’Angelo Russell For Andrew Wiggins
NBA Rumors: 10 Players Most Likely To Be Traded Before The Deadline
The Only One Reason Why The Los Angeles Lakers Must Win The Title This Season
