True, Thompson is much younger than West. It’s understandable that when he looks at a guy like DeAndre Jordan, who defends the rim and dunks and does nothing else, he believes that he truly deserves the same level of respect and money.
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All eyes remain on Cavs’ power forward Tristan Thompson, especially now that his agent, Rich Paul, has officially shot one across the Cavaliers’ bow.
If he does choose to accept the QO, Thompson will hit unrestricted free agency next summer at the age of 25, and right as the cap makes a leap, which adds a wrinkle to all this.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have yet to re-sign free agent forward Tristan Thompson, who became a key part of their finals run last season.
It’s not such an easy decision for the Cavaliers.
The Cavs already have five players – James, Love, Kyrie Irving, Iman Shumpert and Anderson Varejao – slated to make at least $10 million next season, and they face steep luxury tax penalties that will only get steeper if Thompson signs a high-paying deal that starts around $15 million in the first year.
The Toronto, Ontario native had been asking management for a maximum contract of around $94 million for five years, but after six months everything is still on a standstill with regards to his request. But in recent weeks the negotiations between the Cavs and Tristan Thompson have been at a stalemate.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been busy building a roster of worthy players that could serve as the support system of LeBron James this upcoming National Basketball Association season.
We’ll update this post when more details emerge. Ultimately, it’s hard to see Thompson actually taking the qualifying offer when there’s significant long-term money he can secure now.
In his fourth season, Thompson averaged 8.5 points and 8.0 rebounds while playing in all 82 games, starting 15.
Of course, it is not unusual for a restricted free agent like Thompson to be without a deal until August or September. Thompson probably knows that he won’t be getting the max contract, but this statement will push the numbers towards his desired figure.
In a market awash in cash, that may mean multiple max offers if Thompson has even an average season by his standards. Thompson would provide the rebounding along with the weak side help defense that the Raptors have been lacking for a while now, and are likely going to be without now that Amir Johnson is a Boston Celtic. Neither situation is ideal, but Thompson is an important role player for the Cavs. The Cavs are projected to be $4 million over the tax line for next season.
They also would be sending a strong message to keep James and his agent in check.
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“He plays his heart out every single night, and he has zero sense of entitlement in this league”, James said of Thompson in May.
