Cleveland Cavaliers Officially Sign NBA Champion

The Cleveland Cavaliers have officially signed Tristan Thompson.

Tristan Thompson was initially the fourth pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

This past year, the 12-year veteran got signed at the end of the season and played in six NBA playoff games for the Los Angeles Lakers (who lost to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals).

Over the summer, Thompson became a free agent, and Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported that he would sign a deal to return to the Cavs.

On Tuesday, Cleveland officially signed Thompson. 

Via The Cavaliers: "CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed center Tristan Thompson, Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman announced today from Cleveland Clinic Courts."

TT back in The Land.

OFFICIAL RELEASE: https://t.co/fz5CXqhlP2@Shift4 | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/YLpuYQgcl5

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) September 12, 2023

In addition to his time with the Cavs and Lakers, Thompson has also played for the Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings and Chicago Bulls.

The 32-year-old has career averages of 9.0 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.0 assists per contest while shooting 51.9% from the field in 730 regular season games.

He has also played in 94 NBA playoff games and helped the Cavs win the 2016 NBA Championship over the Golden State Warriors.

John Hollinger of The Athletic reported more details on Thompson's contract. 

Via Hollinger: "I'm told that Tristan Thompson's deal in Cleveland is a partial guarantee."

I'm told that Tristan Thompson's deal in Cleveland is a partial guarantee.

— John Hollinger (@johnhollinger) September 11, 2023

As for the Cavs, they are coming off a year where they were the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 51-31 record. 

They lost to the New York Knicks in the first round of the NBA playoffs.