Canadian centre/forward Tristan Thompson is returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The team officially announced they have signed Thompson to a contract 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,” Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman said in a statement. “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.”
The Cavaliers picked the Brampton, Ont. native fourth overall in the 2011 NBA Draft. Thompson stayed with the Cavs for the first nine seasons of his pro career, helping Cleveland win the NBA title in 2016.
The 32-year-old Thompson has since played for the Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers.
Thompson played limited minutes in five playoff games for the Lakers last season after not playing during the regular season.
In his 730-game career, Thompson has averaged 9.0 points and 8.4 rebounds.
