Rick Carlisle says Tristan Thompson will sign with Bulls

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You see something new every day in the NBA.

Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle took that adage to another level Wednesday night when, after a 113-108 win over the Wizards, he broke the news that Indiana intends to waive Tristan Thompson Thursday morning, and the 11-year big man will then sign with the Chicago Bulls.

"He's going to be joining a different team," Carlisle said of Thompson, who posted 17 points, six rebounds, one block and shot 8-for-9 in 21 minutes off the bench on Wednesday. "He's going to be waived tomorrow, 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.' ... Chicago, if anybody didn't get that."

Thompson — who is averaging 6.0 points and 5.2 rebounds in 33 games with the Kings and Pacers this season — projected to be one of the hotter commodities on the buyout market after being included as salary-filler in the Domantas Sabonis-Tyrese Haliburton blockbuster. But the Bulls appear to be the winner of his services.

Not only does Thompson bring a relentless motor to the offensive and defensive glass, which fills a frontcourt need behind Nikola Vučević, he also owns more games of postseason experience (83) than any player on the Bulls' roster. Seventy-eight of those games came as a member of the Cavaliers, with whom he won a championship in 2016.

"Known Tristan for years," DeMar DeRozan said of Thompson. "Great dude, obviously I've competed against him in the Cleveland days, when I was in Toronto. Championship experience. Good friend of mine. Got the utmost respect for him off the court, and obviously we all know what he brings on the court.

"I think this'll be a great addition for us. What he's able to bring, veteran leadership, understanding what it takes to win a championship."

Head coach Billy Donovan, meanwhile, declined to comment, saying he hadn't heard anything about the reported acquisition or Carlisle's press conference.

Provided it goes through, the Bulls will need to waive a player to free a roster spot for Thompson. Keep an eye on Alfonzo McKinnie or Matt Thomas on that front.

Either way, it's a big pickup for the 38-21 Bulls as they brace for the post-All-Star-break stretch run, which they are guaranteed to begin with at least a share of first in the East. In Thompson, they are poised to add the most proven frontcourt option on the market.

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