Cleveland Cavaliers: Tristan Thompson wants his number retired by Cavs

Tristan Thompson wants his number retired by the Cleveland Cavalier, but will he stay to make sure it happens?

Tristan Thompson is a free agent after the 2020 season ends, whenever that is. Thompson has long been expected to depart after the year was over. The Cleveland Cavaliers are rebuilding, they brought in another big body in Andre Drummond, and there is no guarantee that the 29-year-old will see the playoffs again any time soon. Yet with a recent report from Evan Dammarell of Forbes, Thompson may be sticking around.

"…Thompson has warmed up to the idea of re-signing with Cleveland if an offer from a contender doesn’t materialize, per league sources. That, and according to those same sources, Thompson wants to have his jersey retired by the Cavaliers and other than all his franchise accolades, sticking with the team for nearly a decade would help cement his case."

Thompson wants to see his No. 13 retired by the organization and there’s a chance that could happen. With Drummond, Kevin Love, and Thompson, the team has three legit bigs that can pose all sorts of problems for the NBA. This is something Love knows and wants to see more of, telling reporters during a Friday Zoom call.

"He’s just so valuable for this team and this organization. I really hope that he’s back."

Thompson and backup guard Matthew Dellavedova are both free agents. It would make sense to bring back Dellavedova, who could come back on a hugely reduced contract. He’d provide defense, leadership and hustle off the bench. Thompson, on the other hand, will still warrant around what he’s making this year; which is about $15 million or so.

Before the Covid-19 outbreak, it made sense that he would at the very least test the market to see what he’s worth. Yet, many within the NBA expect a lot of people to stay put this offseason. Guys like Drummond, who has a player option this year, will more than likely opt-in to their deals out of fear of a lukewarm market.

Part of that concern isn’t just the outbreak but he 2021 free agency period as well. It’s expected to be star-studded, and that hype could derail any real deals in 2020 from happening. Thompson may just take a deal from the Cavs, assuming the Cavs want to bring him back.

There’s a push for him to come back from the players on his team. There’s also a personal desire to come back, as he wants to see his number hung up in the rafters of the arena and that will only happen if he continues to play in Cleveland.