Cleveland Cavaliers officially announce signing of Tristan Thompson

Tristan Thompson’s return to the Cleveland Cavaliers is official. The team announced Thompson’s deal in a press release on Tuesday.

“Tristan embodies every trait we want as part of our team culture, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring his experience and character back into our franchise,” Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman said per the announcement. “His impact both on and off the court is immeasurable, and his history with our team adds a layer of familiarity, leadership and physicality that will undoubtedly make a positive impact with our younger players. An integral part of our four consecutive NBA Finals trips and an NBA Championship in 2016, Tristan represented the organization with the utmost charm and professionalism during his nine seasons in Northeast Ohio. We are thrilled to reunite with Tristan and welcome him and his family back to the Cavaliers family.”

Thompson, 32, spent the first nine years of his career with the Cavs after being picked fourth overall in the 2011 NBA Draft. He was on the 2016 title winning team as well. To date, he has played in 619 regular season games for the Cavs, averaging 9.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. He is second all-time in franchise history in offensive rebounds, third in total rebounds, sixth in blocks and seventh in games played.

Since leaving the Cavs, Thompson has bounced around from the Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers. He was with the Lakers for the playoffs last season, appearing in six playoff games.

Financial terms of the deal were not released by the team. Reports indicate that Thompson’s deal is for one year and the league veteran minimum.