The Cleveland Cavaliers are still in talks with restricted free agent Tristan Thompson as the NBA’s training camp approaches.
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Unless the two sides can reach some sort of compromise before training camp, Thompson may have to entertain the idea of signing Cleveland’s one-year qualifying offer of $6.9 million and then become an unrestricted free agent next summer. The Cavaliers contend that $16 million is market value for a player like Thompson while Thompson and his agent Rich Paul know that if they wait it out they will likely be in for a huge payday next summer.
Should Thompson end up signing a qualifying offer, it should not be surprising to see him being eventually traded somewhere in the season. Thompson, who has been asking the Cavs a max contract instead of a qualifying offer, believes he is primed for a huge deal from Cleveland after his remarkable stint with the team during the National Basketball Association postseason. If Thompson has another strong year, he’ll look like a genius for gambling on his future with a one-year deal.
However, taking a one-year deal would be an enormous gamble for Thompson. Thompson did average near a double-double though the matter of whether he should get (and deserve a max offer) is up for debate.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and Tristan Thompson are still way apart on agreeing terms on a long-term deal, according to a report. General Manager David Griffin has been able to resign LeBron James, Kevin Love, Timofey Mozgov, J.R. Smith, Matthew Dellavedova, James Jones and Iman Shumpert.
In an article by Joe Vardon of the Northeast Ohio Media Group, Thompson’s contract is a “non-discussion” for a moment in relation to James’ future with the Cavs. When free agency began, it appeared the the Cavaliers and Thompson were in agreement on the $80 million dollar deal, then things fell through and both sides have been at a stalemate ever since.
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That durability, plus his performance after Love went down with a shoulder injury in the first round of the playoffs, is part of the leverage Thompson has been trying to exert on the Cavaliers.
