The Cavaliers and forward Tristan Thompson are at a clear stalemate in contract talks. Thompson is looking for a max deal beyond what the Cavs have offered as an extension. The two sides are reportedly $14 million apart in negotiations.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst:
With a week to go until the start of training camp, there remains a $14 million gap in contract talks between restricted free agent Tristan Thompson and the Cleveland Cavaliers, sources told ESPN.com.
The Cavs have held firm at an offer of five years and $80 million with Thompson looking for a max contract of $94 million over the same span, sources said. The talks have been at a virtual standstill since early July, and there isn’t much optimism on either side.
Thompson chose not to attend LeBron James’ invitational pre-training camp in Miami with his Cavs teammates, which shouldn’t be read into too much, but it serves relevant given Thompson’s stand-still with his new contract.
At this point it doesn’t seem like either side will budge, but Thompson’s qualifying offer with the Cavs expires on Oct. 1. It’s an interesting estimation of Thompson’s worth, as it pertains to both sides. The Cavs know how important it will be to have Thompson re-fulfilling his workman’s role in pursuit of a championship this season. If Thompson is to accept the qualifying offer he can become an unrestricted free agent next summer, and his agent believes that would lead to his departure from the Cavs.
