It’s not only Tristan Thompson who feels like he missed the bus during the initial Bitcoin days; it’s us, too.
The NBA star recently expressed regret over his decision to sign an $82 million contract in 2015 without opting for Bitcoin payment.
Recently, Thompson reflected on how it would have been a different story had he chosen to receive his contract in Bitcoin. As per current estimation, he would have amassed an astonishing fortune valued at approximately $31.75 billion today.
At the time of signing with the Cavs, Bitcoin was trading at around $270. It has since skyrocketed to record highs. Thompson humorously acknowledged that doing the math could leave him feeling more frustrated.
“What I know now, I would have definitely pushed to get paid in Bitcoin. It’d be so much, I’d be laughing and kicking, being like ‘this is the best gamble in American sports history,” Thompson told Magazine.
8.2B people but only 21M bitcoin… Do the math.
— Tristan Thompson (@RealTristan13) April 14, 2025
During the time when he signed his contract, Thompson was already aware of Bitcoin. He even engaged in group discussions with friends about investing in the digital currency. With a sense of nostalgia, he recounted how a friend urged him to buy Bitcoin when its price was as low as $200.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
Also Read: NBA Fans Melt Over Kevin Love’s Wholesome Hug With Tristan Thompson Before Heat-Cavs Game 4
Tristan Thompson Doubts If He Had Handled The Market Turbulence
While Tristan Thompson sounds like he is regretting his decision, he did not handle cryptocurrency well.
Despite his interest, Thompson admitted that he might not have been able to endure Bitcoin’s infamous volatility over the years. He acknowledged his cryptocurrency knowledge since then, but still doubts whether he can manage the turbulent market.
“Who knows if I took a contract in Bitcoin and then, when we had the bear market and when we had COVID-19 and everything plummeted. Who knows? Would I have the education and knowledge to withstand that storm? Obviously, now the things I know and the knowledge and power that I’ve gained over the years. Of course,” Thompson added.
When $BTC hit $109K back in Jan, my phone was going crazy. Now that it’s down to $80K? Crickets.
— Tristan Thompson (@RealTristan13) April 12, 2025
It’s because the Fear & Greed Index is at Extreme Fear. And if history’s taught us anything that’s when smart people start loading up. pic.twitter.com/zWmcYLEp98
Despite these regrets, Thompson remains deeply entrenched in the crypto world and is now actively participating in it as a brand ambassador and podcast host. He is promoting Bitcoin among fellow NBA players nowadays.
