CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Kevin Love said it best at one point earlier this season: There’s nothing better than Tristan Thompson in a contract year.
With free agency on the horizon and plenty to prove after a maddening 2018-19 season, Thompson stepped into an increased leadership role on a rebuilding team, showing why his true value can’t be measured simply by numbers on a stat sheet -- although those continued to rise.
In a year filled with instability and discord, another in-season coaching change and plenty of losses, Thompson was Cleveland’s rock.
He was durable and reliable. He took rookie Darius Garland under his wing and helped the youngster navigate the treacherous NBA waters, teaching Garland about the value of patience during an arduous season and leading by example with boundless energy, a unique professionalism and an enviable work ethic. Thompson raved about Kevin Porter Jr. Thompson threw his support behind embattled coach John Beilein at a time when others were beginning to gripe anonymously. Thompson willingly accepted a new role after the Cavs traded for Andre Drummond in February.
He was the ideal teammate, always setting the daily standard.
Despite a widespread belief that his Cleveland days were numbered and swirling rumors that picked up momentum as the Cavs quickly plummeted to the bottom of the conference standings, the organization actually started discussing the possibility of Thompson sticking around longer. They opened talks with Thompson’s reps on a long-term contract extension. But those conversations didn’t go far and the Cavs ultimately traded for Drummond whose arrival not only booted Thompson out of the starting lineup but also decreased the chances of Thompson re-signing.
Season recap
For years, Thompson took pride in being an NBA iron man, going 447 straight games without an absence.
The 2018-19 season was a much different experience, as injuries forced him out of 39 games. In a strange way, that gave his worn-down body a much-needed break. Not going to the playoffs for the first time in four years also allowed more time for recovery.
That longer-than-usual summer, combined with being in the final season of his five-year, $82 million contract, gave Thompson plenty of fuel for a memorable hurrah.
If 2019-20 was the end, Thompson punctuated his Cavaliers tenure with one of his best all-around seasons and cemented his legacy as a franchise great.
Given more freedom on offense, he averaged career-highs in points (12.0) and assists (2.1) to go with 10.1 rebounds. Thompson tried to patch the many holes on the defensive end, barking out instructions, blocking shots while altering others, switching onto smaller guards and finishing possessions with contested, in-traffic rebounds. It was his second consecutive season averaging a double-double, leading the Cavs in that category.
Playing in 57 of 65 games during the wacky and pandemic-shortened season, Thompson also made nine 3-pointers, his entire career total. In the process, he recouped his slowly-diminishing value.
Moment of the year
Players and coaches will quickly point to a pair of moments that stand out. The first came in Philadelphia -- one of the most hilarious sequences of the season.
After Cedi Osman’s sideline inbounds pass was tapped to the backcourt, Thompson collected the ball and started dribbling while being hounded by 76ers All-Star Ben Simmons. Thompson went behind his back a few times, spun across the halfcourt line and launched a 45-footer with his off hand as the shot clock ticked below five and teammates looked on in shock. Airball.
The next moment came against the Detroit Pistons in January, when Thompson recorded a career-best 35 points one day after Beilein’s verbal gaffe that nearly led to his ouster one month before he stepped down.
But the standout moment for Thompson, one that encapsulates his season and shows his evolution and importance, came in an overtime win against San Antonio in December.
One of his worst statistical performances, Thompson tallied more fouls (3) than points (2) in 26 minutes. He missed four of his five shots and committed a pair of turnovers. That night he also shouted at Beilein heading to the bench, needing Matthew Dellavedova to intervene.
Thompson was benched for the rest of the game. He had every reason to hang his head and sulk. Some of his other teammates did that during the tough times. Not Thompson. He recognized his error and spent the rest of the game trying to help in other ways. He cheered on teammates and offered guidance while seated next to the other coaches. He hopped up and down when Love’s clutch 3-pointer tied the game and eventually sent it into overtime. Thompson was also one of the first players to greet John Henson after Henson stifled Spurs guard DeMar DeRozan on the final shot in regulation.
It was a defining moment. Just not in the way everyone anticipated when the verbal assault went viral.
Future outlook
The Cavs and Thompson have plenty to weigh in this ever-changing climate. While the Drummond trade seemed to seal his fate, adding another piece to an already-crowded frontcourt, sources say the Cavs would like to bring Thompson back. They recognize his value, both on and off the floor, and were impressed with his professionalism. Surrounded by youngsters still learning how to play, Thompson was one of the few who consistently behaved like a grown-up. He’s the team’s heartbeat and replacing him won’t be easy.
Leadership. Toughness. Reliability. Championship mettle. On-court productivity.
“I got to see the evolution in his game, as a leader on and off the floor, and just how fun he is to be around,” Love said recently. “It’s another guy that it’s like infectious to be around and really grown to be like a brother of mine. Tristan was in a contract year playing really well, really established himself as a vocal leader out there on the floor. I love what Tristan brings. He’s a guy that’s had a little few nagging injuries, but for the most part incredibly durable and you know what you’re going to get. He just works extremely hard. And he lets his effort and that motor do so much.
“He’s just so valuable for this team and this organization. I really hope that he’s back.”
Months ago, keeping Thompson seemed laughable. All signs pointed to his departure in free agency. But the pandemic has changed the odds -- even if slightly.
“I believe there’s a chance of him re-signing in free agency,” a league source close to Thompson said. “He hasn’t necessarily played his final game there.”
While hardly a bold prediction, that shift is notable. It drives home a key point: It’s tough for anyone to make a firm declaration given the uncertainty surrounding the NBA. Everyone continues to guess when projecting the impending revenue loss, which is expected to be substantial. That dip is also likely to change offseason plans -- for teams and free agents.
Will teams be more judicious when it comes to spending in free agency? Will players rather stay with their current team, believing that’s the most comfortable route in an offseason with a tight window between free agency and the start of 2020-21? Will free agents push for one-year deals, allowing them to re-enter the fray next summer?
There are also Thompson-specific questions that require further examination.
Would the Cavs be willing to go over the cap, something they are technically able to do because of his Bird rights, to bring him back? The Cavs believe the bottom playoff tier in the East will again be wide open in 2020-21, but allocating north of $120 million to a team likely headed back to the lottery is a tough ask. That’s what the Cavs would be looking at by re-signing Thompson. Then again, owner Dan Gilbert hasn’t been shy about spending if the front office can justify it.
Would Thompson even want to return? Would he rather play for a contender where he could have a bigger role than in Cleveland? Can he even get a worthwhile contract from a contender in this climate? Oftentimes free agency decisions come down to some ranking of money, role and location. There’s one playoff team projected to have summer cap space -- Miami -- and it’s expected to be cautious ahead of the ballyhooed 2021 free agency class. So, most likely playing for a contender means taking a significant pay cut after making around $18 million yearly the last five seasons.
Perhaps Thompson and agent Rich Paul are fine with that. Maybe his desire to join a winner in Toronto, Los Angeles or somewhere else trumps that, especially given the Cavs’ investment in Drummond, Love and Larry Nance Jr.
Some of these questions have been lingering since the start of the season. Others are more fresh, brought about by coronavirus.
Plenty has changed over the last few months. There could be another shift or two before October. Thompson departing still seems the most likely outcome. He’s seen both sides of the NBA, playing for ping pong balls and competing for championships. He would prefer the next chapter not be a repeat of his early days. If he stays in Cleveland, that’s where he’s headed for at least a few more years.
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New Cavs face masks for sale: Here’s where you can buy Cleveland Cavaliers-themed face coverings for coronavirus protection, including a single mask ($14.99) and a 3-pack ($24.99). All NBA proceeds donated to charity.
Player season reviews
Ante Zizic had limited exposure in 2019-20 season: Cavaliers season review
Alfonzo McKinnie earned a contract, but needs more offensive consistency
Osman didn’t have a steady role during season, but had pockets of effectiveness
Darius Garland had rocky moments, but could still be a future maestro
Larry Nance Jr. morphs into modern big, solidifies himself as core piece of future
Kevin Love let frustration and misery get best of him while plummeting value
Kevin Porter Jr. shows potential to be franchise building block
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