Tristan Thompson Confirms Retirement From the NBA After 14 Years

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Tristan Thompson Says the Mothers of His Kids Are "All Friends"

Tristan Thompson is keeping fans updated on his life outside of basketball.

While sharing he had formally retired from the NBA after 14 seasons, the former Cleveland Cavaliers center reflected on life since stepping away from the court.

"Honestly, it's been great," Tristan told ex Khloe Kardashian on the May 28 episode of her Khloe in Wonder Land podcast. "I always tell people it feels like I'm a rookie again."

"You have to figure out how you're going to pivot," he continued. "The toughest thing for anyone, but for athletes, is figuring out what's next. For athletes, the easiest transition is going into sports broadcasting because it's a way that you can still stay part of the game and just talk about what you love."

The 35-year-old—who shares True Thompson, 8, and Tatum Thompson, 2, with Khloe, as well as 9-year-old son Prince Thompson with ex Jordan Craig and Theo, 4, with Maralee Nichols—decided to shift his focus to artificial intelligence.

"I said, 'What could I do that can be impactful and be outside the box?'" he explained. "I've always been a sponge. Now, for me, it's about pivoting into AI and tech. The way I look at it is: How can I be part of where the world is going and not where the world is currently at?"

Tristan also understands that retiring from professional sports often leaves athletes at a complicated crossroad.

"A lot of guys waste time on sitting in their own s--t and trying to figure out, 'Why is it over? Can I still come back from this and play?'" he said. "For me, it's like, no. The iron's hot, on to the next."

Eric Espada/NBAE via Getty Images)

"I'm not gonna wait five, four years to get back into doing something," he added. "I'm gonna go right now."

And the basketball player is also prioritizing his life as a dad. As he put it, "For me, at some point, father time wins."

Although fatherhood has been a slam dunk for Tristan, he's not looking to add any more players to his team.

So, he revealed that he opted to undergo a vasectomy thanks to an ultimatum from the Kardashians star, emphasizing, "I already have enough baby mommas, I don't want no more."

As Tristan embraces his life post-NBA, read on to keep up with his and Khloe's family.

Tristan Thompson/Instagram

Hot Diggity Dog

Tristan shared the sweetest photo at Tatum's 3rd birthday part in July 2025, with the birthday boy posing alongside True, Prince and their cousin Dream.

Tristan Thompson/Instagram

Let Them Eat Cake

Prince and Tatum were all smiles as they shared a slice of cake during the toddler's 3rd birthday celebration.

Khloe Kardashian / Instagram

"Swaggy T"

In April 2025, Khloe shared an adorable snapshot of her and "Swaggy T."

Instagram / Khloe Kardashians

Hearts Full of Love

So much love in this precious pic from Valentine's Day 2025

Instagram / Khloe Kardashian

Cousin Time

True and Tatum were all smiles as they hung out with cousin Dream Kardashian in January 2025.