Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson has been suspended 25 games for violating the NBA's Anti-Drug Program, the league announced Tuesday.
Thompson is a 12-year NBA veteran and one-time NBA champion who returned to Cleveland on a one-year, $3 million deal this offseason to try and help a young, up-and-coming team.
Thompson, 32, has averaged 3.8 points and 3.9 rebounds on a career-low 12.4 minutes per game. He has appeared in 36 of the Cavaliers' 41 games this season, all as a reserve off the bench.
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For more information on Thompson's suspension, The Sporting News has you covered below.
Why was Tristan Thompson suspended?
Thompson was suspended for 25 games without pay for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program by testing positive for "ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033," per the league's official release.
The following was released by the NBA: pic.twitter.com/oqNXP7Zvak
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 23, 2024
Unless Thompson successfully appeals the suspension, he is expected to remain out until the middle of March.
What is ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033?
Ibutamoren is a growth hormone-stimulating substance that "is frequently used as an anabolic substance to increase lean body mass." The benefits include "lean muscle-building, a reduction in muscle wasting, better bone density, improved sleep, and anti-aging properties," according to transformyou.com.
SARM LGD-4033, known as Ligandrol, can help repair and build muscles, according to a study at the University of Sydney, Australia.
Tristan Thompson contract
Thompson signed a one-year, $3.2 million contract with the Cavaliers in the offseason. The 32-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent again after the 2023-24 season.
| Year | Salary |
| 2023-24 | $3.2 million |
| 2024 | UFA |
