The Cleveland Cavaliers lost LeBron James (again) this summer, but Dan Gilbert still believes his team is one of the best in the NBA. Not sure what planet he’s living on but what else is he supposed to say?

While Kevin Love will become the focal point (on offense at least), that leaves the Cavs looking for more production from guys who played a reserved role in 2017. The leading player who must step up is Tristan Thompson. However, even with the possibility of an expanded role, should the Cavaliers seek a trade partner for him?

To say that Thompson has taken a step back in his growth would be an understatement. But, we’re left to wonder was it him or the situation? To understand the basis of this article, we will need to explain the career of Tristan Thompson.

In 2011, as a rookie, Thompson made little noise by averaging 8.2 points, and 6.5 rebounds in 60 games played (25 starts). But in his second season, his minutes on the floor increased and so did his stats. In 2012, Thompson would average 11.7 points and 8.4 rebounds, but the Cavaliers were still destined to finish at the bottom of the conference.

While Kyrie Irving was making a name for himself, Thompson was carving out a nice little niche as a hustler and rebounding with a soft touch inside the paint. But then it all changed in 2014 with the return of LeBron James and the addition of Kevin Love.

Tristan Thomson was forced to play Center, and when Love went down in 2014, Thompson played a huge role in helping the Cavs get to the NBA Finals. That summer, on the strength of the pleading of LeBron James, the Cavaliers signed Thompson to a max deal. Since then, it has all been downhill for him.

Here are three reasons why the Cleveland Cavaliers must trade Tristan Thompson.

Next Page: Reason 3