NBA suspends Canadian Tristan Thompson 25 games for positive drug test

Cleveland Cavaliers centre Tristan Thompson has been suspended 25 games by the NBA for violating its anti-drug program.

The league said Thompson, from Brampton, Ont., tested positive for ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033. His suspension will begin with Wednesday's game between Cleveland and the Milwaukee Bucks.

Ibutamoren is a growth hormone stimulator. SARM LGD-4033 is still in preliminary clinical trials but early studies have shown that the drug improves lean body mass and muscle strength.

Thompson was drafted fourth overall by the Cavaliers in 2011 and won a championship with Cleveland in 2016.

He has played for the Boston Celtics, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers between 2020 and 2023 before returning to the Cavaliers this season.

The 32-year-old Thompson is averaging 3.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 12.4 minutes per game this season.

Fallout from the Tristan Thompson 25 game suspension<br><br>Thompson has a $3.19M salary this season<br><br>25 games: $726,465<br><br>He will get moved to suspended list on February 2.<br><br>Cleveland has 13 players on standard contracts and Pete Nance on a 10-Day (expires on Jan. 27).