- Ibutamoren is a “growth hormone” while SARM LGD-4033 is a muscle enhancer
- Thompson, 32, will have to forgo more than $726,000 of his $3.1 million salary
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Tristan Thompson was suspended 25 games by the NBA for violating its anti-drug program after testing positive for Ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033.
Both drugs are on the NBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Prohibited Substances List under the Steroids and Performance-Enhancing Drugs (SPED) section.
Ibutamoren is considered a “growth hormone,” while SARM LGD-4033 is commonly used by bodybuilders and weightlifters to build muscle.
Under the current CBA, a 25-game suspension is the standard for a player who not only tests positive for a SPED but also violates the league's anti-drug policy for the first time.
Thompson, a center for the Cleveland Cavaliers, will not be compensated because he will miss significant playing time.
Tristan Thompson received the lengthy ban after testing positive for ibutamoren and SARM LGD-4033, a “growth hormone” or muscle building drug for bodybuilders
Thompson, Khloe Kardashian's baby daddy, is the father of a baby girl, True (l), 5, and a son, Tatum, 1
The suspension, which goes into effect Wednesday when the Milwaukee Bucs host the Cavs, will cost Thompson more than $726,000 of his $3,196,448 salary, meaning he will miss out on 1/110th of his salary per game .
The 32-year-old Canadian-American player, who is in his 12th NBA season, is averaging 3.8 points and 3.9 rebounds per game this season.
Thompson, who shares a five-year-old daughter, True, with Khloe Kardashian, is back with the Cavaliers this season after bouncing around the league in recent years.
Cavs reserve center Damian Jones could see his playing time extended now that Thompson is out
He was drafted by Cleveland and spent the first nine years of his NBA career there, from 2011 to 2020. He won a championship with the LeBron James-led franchise in 2016.
This season, Thompson was the backup to starting center Jarrett Allen. His 25-game suspension will be a concern for the Cavs as Evan Mobley is still recovering from a knee injury.
Damien Jones, a journeyman with stints with the Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns, LA Lakers, Sacramento Kings and Utah Jazz after being drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 2016, could be a frontfield option for the team while Thompson is out. He signed with the Cavs at the start of the season.
Two-way player Isaiah Mobley – Evan's brother – is also an alternative, but he has only appeared in three NBA games this season.