Tristan Thompson May Be Trade Bait For Cleveland Cavaliers

Now that big man Tristan Thompson didn’t sign an extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he may viewed as trade bait before the NBA‘s deadline

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The Cleveland Cavaliers and big man Tristan Thompson had until Friday to agree to an extension to prevent Thompson from becoming a restricted free agent. Although the Cavaliers did agree to a max extension with the other player they selected in the 2011 NBA Draft, point guard Kyrie Irving, they couldn’t come to terms with Thompson.

There has been a lot of speculation about Thompson’s future and Cavaliers’ star LeBron James is reportedly a big fan of his game but this has only added to speculation that Thompson’s future with the Cavaliers is in doubt.

NBA scribe Chuck Myron believes Thompson could be viewed as trade bait now.

“I think so,” Myron explains. “There haven’t been any reports or indications that the Cavs are thinking about moving you, but with Varejao signed to his new extension, I don’t know that there’s really a place for you, Tristan. Plus, offloading you instead of committing long-term money to you would allow the Cavs the chance to perhaps chase another marquee free agent when the salary cap shoots up in a few years.”

Thompson is still just 23 so he could be a valuable asset if the Cavaliers decide to go in a different direction.

Through three games this season, Thompson is averaging 10.7 points and 7.7 rebounds per game while shooting 43.8% from the field and 66.7% from the foul line. Thompson was originally selected by the Cavaliers with the fourth-overall selection in the 2011 NBA Draft. Thompson has averaged 10.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per game while shooting 47.3% from the field and 63.0% from the free throw line in his career.

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