Thompson’s seeking the max, but the Cavaliers are reluctant to give it to him – understandably so.
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I fully expect Smith to hold out as long as possible, but at this point I just don’t see any team that would be willing to offer more money than the Cleveland Cavaliers are offering – whatever that amount is.
The future of the Cleveland Cavaliers lineup appears to still be in the balance as the LeBron James-led group struggle to strike an acceptable deal between the National Basketball Association team and Tristan Thompson.
Thompson turned down a huge deal during last season and it paid off because he was pretty good in the playoffs. His agent said if this is the option Thompson takes, it’ll be his last season in Cleveland.
“Things need to be worked out from his side and the Cavs, but we need him back”, James said. That has not helped J.R. Smith’s chances of reaching a deal that would pay him more than the $6.4 million in his old contract that he refused so he could be a free agent. It seems unlikely Cunningham will get into that mix, but he’ll get his shot.
LeBron James said signing Tristan Thompson to a long-term contract was the “No. 1 objective” for the Cavaliers right now, but stopped well short of blaming the team for the stalemate in negotiations with Thompson. The Cavaliers aren’t willing to go over $80 million per five season at the moment, although that might be a bit off the true number.
The salary cap rises by 30 percent next year and will likely double in the next five via the new national TV contract. Chris Haynes at Cleveland.com reports that Jamal Crawford would be “open” to a trade from the Clippers to the Cavs and the team could use a trade exception on him.
Kaun is to depart town on Tuesday and it is anticipated that a deal will not be finalized before his exit, I’m told.
The Cleveland Cavaliers want to re-sign Tristan Thompson, but not for the money he’s asking for.
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Hoping to land a more stable job in the league, Cunningham should find his way up the ladder in the Cavs as they are again a title contender in the coming season.
