Brooklyn Nets: 3 former Kyrie Irving teammates to sign or acquire

2. Tristan Thompson, Boston Celtics

Thompson’s off-court galavanting might be as recognizable as his play on the court, but he should still have some suitors if the Celtics decide to move off of him this offseason. Thompson’s production dipped to 7.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, but this was largely due to a reduced role.

When the Cavaliers allowed Thompson to start and serve as a focal point of the offense, he averaged a double-double in consecutive seasons. His defense might not be as good as Theis’ defense, but that shouldn’t stop an aggressive Nets front office from trying to pick him up via trade.

Tristan Thompson can score in the paint for the Nets.

Trading between the Nets and Celtics has rarely worked out in Brooklyn’s favor, but the Nets might be able to entice the Celtics with a combination of future draft picks and players at the end of the bench considering how Robert Williams looks like the future of the Boston frontcourt.

Thompson would give the Nets someone that plays more like a traditional center when they decide to go small, as such lineups last year often led to players like Embiid having their way with the frontcourt. Thompson might average close to double-digits considering the number of uncontested looks he will receive.