The Pacers will waive Tristan Thompson on Thursday, and the veteran big man will sign a deal with the Chicago Bulls, Indiana coach Rick Carlisle stated Wednesday night.
In a surprising moment, Carlisle revealed the news following the Pacers’ 113-108 win versus the Washington Wizards.
Thompson had joined the Pacers last week as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Domantas Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings.
He appeared in four matches total for Indiana, with his 17 points against the Wizards on Wednesday night his most since the trade.
“We thanked him for what he’s brought for the last six or seven days,” Carlisle said. “He brought a high level of professionalism and he’s done a really good job.
“I don’t mind announcing it because it’s going to happen and what the heck. There’s nothing wrong with speaking the truth. It’s the rare instance where you get to thank a guy in the presence of his teammates. And these guys have an awful lot of respect for who he is and what he’s accomplished in the league.”
The 30-year-old Thompson appeared in 30 games with the Kings before the deal, averaging four points and four rebounds in 15 minutes.
Chicago will need to clear a roster spot before adding Thompson. Speaking after the team’s 125-118 victory against the Kings on Wednesday night, Bulls coach Billy Donovan stated he hadn’t heard anything about the team acquiring Thompson or Carlisle’s comments.
