We continue with our attempts to move Jonas Valanciunas. This time, we propose a deal with a major contender and rival. Is this one crazy or feasible?
How do I know what I think until I see what I say? attributed to E.M. Forster
That months-long persistent rumble beneath the sidewalks of Cleveland has been the availability via trade of Tristan Thompson. The long-time Cavalier has been bumped from the starting lineup. He’s been the nominal center, starting 321 games and getting a ring, since being drafted #4 in 2011. However, a calf injury suffered in early November opened the door for Kevin Love, and the Cavs don’t seem inclined to switch back.
Since Thompson’s return, his minutes have been severely cut. Every stat, major and minor, is down precipitously. He signed a 3-year deal in the off-season which averages $17.5 million. The Raptors have an entire bench which doesn’t cost what Thompson does, yet produces so much more.
Why do I even want to bother with the idea of trading for Thompson? That’s a more than fair question, and I’ll attack it. But first, take a look at the deal.
Starting to make sense…
Almost every trade proposal we’ve put together for JV has been predicated on the idea of getting rid of him. This is the first one I can think of where he would be the prize. Buttressing that point, the Trade Machine suggests the Raptors projected wins would drop by five, while the Cavs’ would increase by six. Given that JV’s PER is 20.2, and Thompson’s is 11.2, that forecast isn’t even slightly surprising.
This trade is a futures play for the Raptors. We get a battle-toughened, versatile defender, only 26 years old, who will provide additional paint protection in the playoffs. Then there’s the serious prize of Brooklyn’s draft pick, most likely a lottery one, which arrived in Ohio when Kyrie Irving departed for Boston.
Tristan offers intangibles more than almost any player I can think of. He’s a beast under the offensive boards, and changes shots on D to an extent which reminds me of another undersized center/forward, Marcus Camby (I said “reminds”; Thompson is a poor man’s Camby at best).
Assuming we’re comfortable with Serge Ibaka at center, he and Thompson would form a formidable front court when matters heat up dramatically after 82 regular-season games. Tristan would be fine off the bench to spell Serge in ultra-small lineups, or as the PF if Lucas Nogueira is in.
Deal or No Deal?
Cleveland is a motivated seller, as they are in salary cap hell. While it’s true this deal provides only marginal relief, JV would certainly be easier than Thompson to trade elsewhere for draft picks to an under-the-cap team. Then the Cavs should be able to dodge the nasty repeat-offender penalty. That assumes they decide to move JV; he may be just the player they are looking for in the middle.
More from Raptors Rapture
- Scottie Barnes talks Raptors expectations after bumpy 2022-23
- Raptors’ Dennis Schroder completes Cinderella story, wins FIBA World Cup with Germany
- 3 players Raptors could replace OG Anunoby with at trade deadline
- NBA insider praises Raptors’ hiring of “star” Darko Rajakovic
- Raptors fans will love Markquis Nowell’s insane confidence on Instagram
Anyway, all of that is their problem. Here’s the biggest question for Toronto management: Is two more expensive seasons of Thompson a reasonable fee to pay for a ticket into the promising 2018 draft lottery? If this year’s crop is as strong as last (Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, Lauri Markkennen, Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma, OG Anunoby, more), then the answer is Yes.
Now I know what I think. Bringing Thompson home to Toronto is a deal worth making, but only if the draft pick is attached. Otherwise…have a nice day, Cleveland.
Comments, please.
P.S. Don’t tell me OG was selected outside the lottery, as I’m aware. His #23 selection, and Kuzma’s at #27, offer more proof of how strong the 2017 group is. Also, the Thompson trade can’t be finalized until his calf injury is certified as fully healed by Toronto’s medical staff.