OKLAHOMA CITY -- On Wednesday night, perhaps his final one with the Cleveland Cavaliers, all eyes were on Tristan Thompson. How was he walking with that sore quad? What was his engagement level like on the bench? How much was he interacting with teammates? What was his demeanor like after the game, away from the cameras, in the privacy of the locker room? Were there any signs that a trade was imminent?

The Cavs nearly pulled off an upset in Oklahoma City without him. Larry Nance Jr. kept soaring. John Henson capitalized on his spontaneous start. Kevin Love operated as the offensive focal point. For the second straight game, the Cavs were having fun, thriving on offense without Thompson -- a shocking development that didn’t seem feasible at various points this season.

Even with a few better-than-expected performances, no one wants a Thompson-less future. Playing without him for a game or two is one thing, but the final 30?

“It would be really tough. It would be a huge shot to morale,” Nance told cleveland.com about a potential Thompson trade. “He’s the longest-tenured Cavalier. I remember cheering for him when I was in college, when I was a Cavs fan. It would hurt.

"He’s a pretty vocal leader, lead-by-example guy and that’s our starting center. Those are very tough to replace. He’s such a team guy, unselfish guy, good friend to all of us. If he were to end up going somewhere I think I would miss him as a friend, teammate and person. I don’t want to see him go anywhere, but this is a business and we are just pawns in the game.”

Well, players need to brace for that. It could be their reality with the 3 p.m. deadline fast approaching and offers continuing to come in.

Thompson’s camp is pushing for a deal -- for a variety of reasons, including wanting Thompson to play for a contender. Money is also part of that get-him-out-of-Cleveland plan, hoping some team would value his “Bird” rights and willingly go over the cap to re-up him this summer. It’s a thin market, with very few teams having more than the mid-level exception to offer. Who is going to make that big offer that his camp wants? That’s why acquiring his rights in an advanced trade could be appealing.

The front office is looking for a first-round pick in return. Other options exist as well -- re-signing Thompson or a sign-and-trade -- but turning down an opportunity to add another asset or two seems unlikely, especially with numerous contenders seeking frontcourt depth right now to combat some of the league’s elite.

While members of the organization were mum on the likelihood of a Thompson deal, sources said late Wednesday night that the Cavs had a few different deals they were feeling good about. Were those for Thompson? Henson? Brandon Knight? Matthew Dellavedova?

Of those four trade candidates, Thompson’s departure would have the greatest impact -- on and off the floor.

Nance was asked about the obvious byproduct of a Thompson trade: More playing time, an increased role that he’s been working toward since the summer. Nance didn’t want to go there.

“Not thinking about that right now,” he said. “At 3 p.m. Thursday, maybe. But that’s not something I’m worried about right now. I’m worried about a teammate, friend and his life potentially being uprooted. I haven’t given that any thought.”

Love spoke to cleveland.com and one other reporter at length hours before Wednesday’s game in Oklahoma City. Love has been alongside Thompson since the 2014-15 season. They won a championship together. Shared the frontcourt. Became the two anchors during this post-LeBron James era. Had dinner together Tuesday night in Oklahoma City.

“I mean, that’s my brother, man. I would always go to war with him,” Love said following Wednesday’s shootaround. “I would run through a wall for him. He’s the best. He’s a lifelong friend of mine, so it would be tough to see him go. I would like to have him around selfishly, but if there’s a better situation out there for him, going to make him happier, have a chance to win a championship, then so be it.

“I only know Tristan Thompson as a Cavalier and I like it that way.”

Love echoed those sentiments after Cleveland’s latest loss -- a 109-103 battle with the playoff-bound (as of now) Thunder.

Throughout most of the night, after joining teammates on the sidelines about midway through the second quarter, Thompson tried to help in any way he could. He celebrated made 3s with his arm raised high and three fingers in the air. He hopped off his seat, wanting to be the first player to encourage his guys as they walked back to the bench during timeouts. He sat close to the coaching staff, letting them know what he was seeing. He was right next to assistant Dan Geriot, who always works out Thompson before games, as the final seconds ticked away.

He locked in on every possession, shouting instructions. He pointed out defensive breakdowns. He supported his teammates until the end.

“He’s been a great leader,” Love said. “Last year and this year, especially after our four-year run, he’s been a very vocal guy and guy that has led by example and even if he’s not on the floor, he has an energy that’s just contagious to be around. That’s just Double-T. He’s always been able to pick us up, sometimes he’s very serious and always knows where to take it and make things light. Like I said this morning, that’s my brother. I will always hang on every word he says and listen. I might tell him he’s full of s--- sometimes, but he’s great. Was great to see him out there supporting us.”

That leadership will be so tough to replace. His value can’t be understated. It goes far beyond the rebounds and consistent night-to-night effort. But as Nance said, there’s a business side involved this time of year. Teams can’t let their emotions interfere – not when there’s a viable trade.

The final buzzer sounded Wednesday night. Thompson lingered. He found fellow Canadian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Then Thompson embraced with future Hall-of-Famer Chris Paul.

As those two were talking, Nance and Love came by. They all talked, laughed, enjoyed that moment -- one that could very well be Thompson’s last on court as a Cavalier.

Nobody was ready to say goodbye.

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