Cavs’ Tristan Thompson Violates NBA Drug Policy, Suspended 25 Games Without Pay

The veteran Cleveland big man tested positive for two banned substances.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently on the NBA’s longest active winning streak at eight games, and have won their last three games in wire-to-wire fashion.

The team’s depth has thrived as of late, going an NBA-best 13-3 since long-term injuries to both Darius Garland and Evan Mobley were announced.

However, the team has suffered a setback.

On Tuesday, the NBA announced that Cavaliers big man Tristan Thompson has been suspended for 25 games without pay for violating the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program.

The following was released by the NBA: pic.twitter.com/oqNXP7Zvak

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 23, 2024

The league’s official release says that Thompson tested positive for both Ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033.

According to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), Ibutamoren is a prohibited substance that “stimulates the production of growth hormone.”

Additionally, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH), “LGD-4033 (ligandrol) is a selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM), which is prohibited in sports by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).” Former NBA center Joakim Noah was also suspended for 20 games in 2017 for using LGD-4033.

Jan 17, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) goes for a loose ball against Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the first half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse / © Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Thompson has held a key role on Cleveland’s bench this season, playing in 36 of the team’s 41 games. The 32-year-old has averaged 3.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game so far for the Wine and Gold.

According to Spotrac, this is the first suspension of Thompson’s 13-year NBA career. The suspension is projected to make him forfeit just over $726,000.

Thompson is the second Cavalier in as many days to be given a suspension, as Cleveland rookie Emoni Bates was suspended for two games by the NBA G-League yesterday for entering the spectator stands after a game.

Barring anything unforeseen, Thompson would return to the Wine and Gold's lineup on Saturday, March 16 against the Houston Rockets, three days after his 33rd birthday.