Career Timeline of Tristan Thompson: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Tristan Thompson made an impact.
Tristan Thompson is a Canadian professional basketball player currently with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA. He was a key member of the Cavaliers' 2016 NBA championship-winning team. Throughout his NBA career, he has also played for several other teams, including the Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls, and Los Angeles Lakers.
2008: FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship
In 2008, Tristan Thompson represented Canada at the FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship, where the team won the bronze medal.
2009: FIBA Under-19 World Championship
In 2009, Tristan Thompson competed for Canada at the FIBA Under-19 World Championship in Auckland, New Zealand.
2010: Cavaliers Make Playoffs
In 2010, the Cavaliers made the playoffs for the first time since 2010.
June 23, 2011: Drafted by Cleveland Cavaliers
On June 23, 2011, Tristan Thompson was drafted fourth overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers, making history as the highest drafted Canadian-born player at the time.
December 9, 2011: Signing with Cavaliers
On December 9, 2011, Tristan Thompson signed his rookie contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers before the start of training camp.
December 26, 2011: NBA Debut
On December 26, 2011, Tristan Thompson made his professional debut against the Toronto Raptors, scoring 12 points and pulling in 5 rebounds.
2011: Drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers
In 2011, Tristan Thompson was drafted fourth overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA draft after playing college basketball for the Texas Longhorns.
2013: FIBA Americas Championship
In 2013, Tristan Thompson averaged 11.6 points and 10.0 rebounds per game at the FIBA Americas Championship.
2013: Amari Thompson Fund Founded
In 2013, Tristan Thompson founded the Amari Thompson Fund, which supports Epilepsy Toronto to raise funds and awareness for those affected by epilepsy.
October 22, 2015: Re-Signing with Cavaliers
On October 22, 2015, Tristan Thompson re-signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a five-year, $82 million contract after a four-month contract stalemate.
2015: NBA Finals Appearance
In 2015, Tristan Thompson and the Cavaliers reached the NBA Finals, facing the Golden State Warriors and ultimately losing the series.
January 25, 2016: Season-High Performance
On January 25, 2016, Tristan Thompson recorded a season-high 19 points and 12 rebounds in a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
December 26, 2016: 400 Consecutive Games
On December 26, 2016, Tristan Thompson became the first player in franchise history to play in 400 consecutive regular-season games.
2016: FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament
In 2016, Tristan Thompson led the FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament with 33 rebounds.
2016: NBA Championship with the Cavaliers
In 2016, Tristan Thompson won an NBA championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers, marking a significant achievement in his career.
April 5, 2017: End of Consecutive Games Streak
On April 5, 2017, Tristan Thompson missed a game due to a sprained right thumb, ending his streak of consecutive games played at 447.
February 25, 2018: Season-High Rebounds
On February 25, 2018, Thompson had a season-high 13 rebounds in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
2018: FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament
In 2018, Tristan Thompson played one game in a qualifying tournament for the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
2019: FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament
In 2019, Tristan Thompson played in the FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament.
January 9, 2020: Career-High Points
On January 9, 2020, Tristan Thompson recorded a double-double with a career-high 35 points in an overtime win against the Detroit Pistons.
November 2020: Signed with Boston Celtics
In November 2020, Tristan Thompson signed a two-year contract with the Boston Celtics.
2020: Traded to Sacramento Kings
After the 2020-2021 season, Thompson was traded to the Sacramento Kings in a three-team deal.
2020: Season Averages
Throughout the 2020-2021 season, Thompson averaged 7.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game.
August 7, 2021: Trade to Sacramento Kings
On August 7, 2021, Tristan Thompson was traded to the Sacramento Kings in a three-team trade involving the Atlanta Hawks.
2021: Traded to Sacramento Kings
After the 2020-2021 season, Thompson was traded to the Sacramento Kings in a three-team deal.
2021: Supporting Role with Kings
During the 2021-2022 NBA season, Thompson played a supporting role with the Kings, averaging 6.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game.
2021: Season Averages
Throughout the 2020-2021 season, Thompson averaged 7.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game.
February 8, 2022: Trade to Indiana Pacers
On February 8, 2022, Thompson was traded to the Indiana Pacers in exchange for Justin Holiday, Jeremy Lamb, Domantas Sabonis, and a 2023 second-round pick.
February 19, 2022: Signed with Chicago Bulls
On February 19, 2022, Thompson signed with the Chicago Bulls.
2022: Supporting Role with Kings
During the 2021-2022 NBA season, Thompson played a supporting role with the Kings, averaging 6.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game.
2022: Traded to Indiana Pacers
In February of 2022, Thompson's time with the Kings came to an end when he was traded to the Indiana Pacers as part of a multi-player deal.
April 9, 2023: Signed with Los Angeles Lakers
On April 9, 2023, Thompson signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, reuniting with former Cavs teammate LeBron James.
May 22, 2023: Last Game as a Laker
On May 22, 2023, Thompson played his last game as a Laker against the Denver Nuggets in the 2023 Conference Finals.
September 12, 2023: Re-signed with Cleveland Cavaliers
On September 12, 2023, Thompson signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a one-year contract.
2023: Free Agency
After the 2022-2023 season, Thompson became a free agent.
September 9, 2024: Re-signed with the Cavaliers
On September 9, 2024, Thompson re-signed with the Cavaliers.
