CLEVELAND — As Tristan Thompson departs Cleveland, heading to the Boston Celtics in free agency, the Cavaliers thanked him for his nine seasons spent on the team.
The Canadian-born center had been with Cleveland for nine seasons, drafted by the Cavaliers in 2011 with the fourth overall pick. He was a part of the 2016 Championship team that broke a 52-year drought in Cleveland.
Last season, Thompson joined team legends LeBron James, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, and Brad Daugherty as the only Cavaliers to record 5,000 or more rebounds with the team.
Over his career, Thompson has averaged 9.4 points and 8.7 rebounds.
The Cavs shared a tribute video on Twitter of some of the great memories of Thompson over the years.
A Cleveland Champion forever. 🏆
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) November 30, 2020
Thank you, @RealTristan13. We wish you the best. ❤💛 pic.twitter.com/5GFyV25P5x
The team also issued the following statement regarding Thompson’s departure:
Tristan Thompson represented the Cavaliers and the city of Cleveland with the utmost grace and class during his nine seasons in Northeast Ohio. Tristan embodied everything a franchise would want in a player during his time as a Cavalier. He became a champion, a mentor and a great community partner through his selfless acts off the basketball court. Affectionately recognized for his durability, competitive spirit and determination, Tristan was an integral part of our four consecutive NBA Finals trips, culminating in the franchise’s first-ever NBA Championship in 2016. We thank Tristan and wish him nothing but the best, knowing that he has earned a place in the hearts of Cavaliers fans and this organization forever.
Thompson thanked the city for everything.
Cleveland will forever be embedded in my heart and I will always cherish the countless amount of memories I’ve made over the last 10 seasons. From getting drafted, to 4 straight Finals appearances, to winning the 2016 NBA Championship
— Tristan Thompson (@RealTristan13) November 30, 2020
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