Feb 16, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers center Tristan Thompson (11) celebrates a made basket in the first half against the Washington Wizards at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle announced that center Tristan Thompson is going to be waived Thursday in order to sign with the Chicago Bulls.
Carlisle made the surprising declaration Wednesday night, shortly after the recently acquired Thompson scored 17 points in the Pacers’ 113-108 win over Washington.
Thompson came to the Pacers last week as part of the Domantas Sabonis-Tyrese Haliburton trade with the Sacramento Kings. Thompson played in four games with Indiana.
“Well, it was fun while it was lasted. He’s going to be joining a different team,” Carlisle said. “He’s going to be waived (Thursday), and he’ll be joining a contending team in the East, a little bit north, if anybody wants to tweet. Starts with a C and ends with an O. But we thanked him for what he’s brought the last six or seven days. Brought a high level of professionalism, and he’s done a really good job. Chicago, if anybody didn’t get that.
“I don’t mind announcing it, because, you know, it’s going to happen. And what the heck? You know, nothing wrong with speaking the truth.”
Thompson, 30, is averaging 6.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in 34 games (three starts) with the Kings and Pacers this season.