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Pacers to waive Tristan Thompson, who will sign with Bulls

By Jordan Wolf | Last updated 2/16/22

The Pacers made one of the biggest deals of the trade deadline last week, sending Domantas Sabonis and others out for an injection of youthful talent and veteran pieces. Now, one of those veterans is on the move again -- just in a different fashion.

Indiana coach Rick Carlisle said the team will waive experienced big man Tristan Thompson after its 113-108 win over Washington on Wednesday. Thompson is expected to clear waivers and when he does, he will sign with the Bulls, Carlisle said.

"We thanked him for what he's brought for the last six or seven days," Carlisle said. "Brought a high level of professionalism, and he's done a really good job."

Rick Carlisle on Tristan Thompson playing his final game with the Indiana Pacers: pic.twitter.com/RWjdUaYQTj
— Alex Golden (@AlexGoldenNBA) February 17, 2022

Thompson has appeared in four games with the Pacers since arriving at the deadline. He was acquired with Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield in exchange for Sabonis, Jeremy Lamb, Justin Holiday and a second-round pick.

It makes sense that both sides would want to move on; the Pacers are now one of the league's youngest teams with a stable of young players to give playing time to, and Thompson is an aging vet looking to help contribute for a championship.

He'll have the chance to do so with the Bulls, who are in second place in the Eastern Conference, assuming he passes through waivers. He's owed more than $9 million on his current contract, making it highly unlikely for any team to put a claim on him.

Thompson went out with a bang, scoring 17 points and reeling in six rebounds in the win over the Wizards. He's averaging six points and 5.2 boards per game this season between Indiana and Sacramento.

He brings to Chicago tremendous playoff experience, as he won a championship with the Cavaliers in 2016 and has appeared in 83 postseason games between Cleveland and Boston. He is averaging 7.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per game in the playoffs.

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