Earlier in the day, it was reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers and their young forward Tristan Thompson had hit a wall in their contract negotiations. There was a vast difference in philosophies between the two sides when it came to Thompson’s contract.
Thompson wants a 5-year max deal worth $94 million and the Cavs are reluctant to give him that. Right now, there’s only one team that can even come close to offering what Thompson wants and the Portland Trail Blazers already took on some former Cavaliers earlier this season.
Now it appears that the Thompson camp has reached their breaking point. With both sides not going anywhere, they can agree on the qualifying offer and then next season Thompson can be an unrestricted free agent. Very similar to the Greg Monroe situation last summer with the Detroit Pistons.
His agent Rich Paul, who is also LeBron James’ agent, says if Thompson does get the qualifying offer, don’t expect the Canadian forward to stay with the Cavs beyond next season.
Following from Michael Grange of Sportsnet.
"All I know is TT on Qualifying Offer will be his last year with the Cavs" — Rich Paul on Tristan Thompson negotiations.
— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) August 10, 2015
To clarify earlier tweet: Thompson negotiations are on-going BUT — if he has to settle for QO offer, he will not return to Cavs in 16-17
— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) August 10, 2015
Long term plans need to be locked in now for the Cavs. Thompson is a key part in the situation for Cleveland going forward, especially considering they don’t have money to spend right now to replace him. Tristan knows that and his cammp is using that to their advantage.
This is a big decision for Cleveland. Do they really want to commit almost $200 million over the next five years for two power forwards? They already inked Kevin Love to a deal earlier in the summer to keep him in Cleveland for the long haul but Thompson could be the piece that dictates the future of LeBron James.
LeBron has noting but high praise for Thompson so signing him now, especially to please LeBron, to a long-term deal appears to be the Cavaliers only option if they don’t want to lose the developing big man.
