LeBron James had to go into the Cavs media day ready to talk about his teammate Tristan Thompson, who is currently still at odds over his contract. Thompson has been seeking a max deal and wasn’t settled on the recent three-year, $53 million offer from Cleveland. It looks like they’ll be willing to up their offer.
Thompson was not at the Cavs’ first practice, which meant another chance for LeBron James to react to the situation, but he won’t be saying much more on the matter.
From Chris Haynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer:
“Play my clips from yesterday, I’ve already addressed it,” James said tersely, following the Cavs’ first practice of the 2015-16 season. “I probably won’t address it too much more. Like I said I’m optimistic both sides will get something done and he’ll get here sooner than later.”
The magnitude of Thompson’s absence at practice was ultimately downplayed.
Cavs coach David Blatt said Thompson’s missing practice wasn’t “too, too much (of a concern) right now,” and “obviously we hope to see him as soon as possible.
“But as I know Tristan, he’s maintaining great condition and he will hopefully be with us as soon as possible,” Blatt said. “For a coach it’s every day (wanting Thompson back). I’d rather not think about the bad end of the expectation. I’m just hoping to see him here sooner than later.”
If Thompson doesn’t settle on a deal with the Cavs he’ll play for $6.8 million qualifying offer this season and become an unrestricted free agent next summer. That scenario would put Thompson in the position to seek a max contract from a different team, which would also put an emphasis on his performance this season.
