Longtime NBA big man Tristan Thompson has been hired by Dubai Basketball as a global ambassador, the EuroLeague team announced in a press release.

In his role as global ambassador, Thompson will look to expand and promote Dubai Basketball’s “presence across international markets” and position the club as a “major destination for elite basketball,” according to the announcement.

Dubai Basketball president Dejan Kamenjasevic cited Thompson’s “championship pedigree (and) global credibility” as assets he’ll bring to the team in his new position.

The fourth overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft, Thompson appeared in 819 regular season games across 14 seasons for the Cavaliers, Celtics, Kings, Pacers, and Bulls. He also had a brief stint with the Lakers, making six playoff appearances in 2023 after signing with Los Angeles at the end of the season.

The 6’9″ Canadian was the Cavs’ primary starting center for several seasons early in his career, including during Cleveland’s title run in 2016.

Thompson holds career regular season averages of 8.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, but he hasn’t been in the NBA since he appeared in 40 games for the Cavs in 2024/25. While the 35-year-old has yet to announce his retirement as a player, his new position with Dubai Basketball suggests he may be transitioning to the next stage of his career.