5 NBA free agents who could use a change of scenery

3. Tristan Thompson

Tristan Thompson has averaged a double-double in each of the last two years, the only such times he’s done so throughout his nine years in the NBA. But whatever statistical leaps he’s taken have been clouded by the poor play of his Cleveland Cavaliers during that time.

It wasn’t all that long ago when Thompson was making meaningful contributions to an Eastern Conference powerhouse. Whatever drop-off his 2019-20 advanced stats might indicate don’t take into account the absence of motivation playing for one of the league’s worst teams.

Give Thompson purpose and he’ll likely return to the energetic screener, rebounder and defender that played a role in the Cavaliers’ four straight trips to the Finals.

There has been some rumored interest by Thompson to remain in Cleveland with another contract, but the writing on the wall paints the Cavaliers going in a different direction.

The Cavs frontcourt is crowded with Kevin Love, Larry Nance Jr. and now Andre Drummond for the foreseeable future. After being left behind to pick up the pieces of another LeBron James departure, Thompson has a chance to depart and play for something more meaningful. Cleveland’s actions have all but indicated that he should take it.