For some reason, the conversation about Tristan Thompson – and J.R. Smith for that matter – not being signed yet by the Cleveland Cavaliers has become just a story brushed under the rug. No one appears to have any concern over the future of those two talented players as they have both been viewed as virtual locks to return to Cleveland.
As the summer winds down and training camp gets set to start, there is a growing concern about Thompson, more than Smith, not signing a new deal with the Cavs. Considering the situation the team is currently in with their anticipated luxury tax bill hitting historic numbers, they don’t have much leverage in negotiations with players.
That’s something that’s working in favor of Thompson, who is also famously represented by LeBron James’ agent, Rich Paul. LeBron has previously stated that he wants Thompson to be a member of the Cavs for his entire career and when LeBron talks, you have to listen.
Thompson and his agent know his worth so it appears an ultimatum has been made.
Give Tristan the max and lock him up for the upcoming future or extend him a qualifying offer and risk losing him next summer in free agency. A summer that could have 20 teams with enough cap space to give Thompson what he wants.
Following from ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
There is no clear precedent for his position, which has led to a stalemate between Thompson and the Cleveland Cavaliers. It has been difficult to negotiate a middle ground, setting the stage for possible tension as training camp approaches.
Thompson, an excellent offensive rebounder and pick-and-roll player who proved valuable in the Cavs’ run to the Finals, is believed to be looking for a maximum-level contract of around $94 million over five years. The Cavs’ offers have been for significantly less.
There has been no real progress since the second week of July when talks reached an impasse and both sides dug in.
“The 2016 free agent class isn’t very deep and it’s generally older,” said one NBA general manager. “It’s rare to see an unrestricted free agent that’s 25 or younger, especially a big. If [Thompson] were to be an unrestricted free agent next summer and he’s healthy, he probably would be one of the top free agents available.”
Thompson’s at a career empass and he needs to make a decision soon if he wants to start getting paid. I’m sure he’s at no shortage of cash but he is worth something in this current NBA market.
The only team who can offer him what he wants right now is the Portland Trail Blazers but even then, it would be less due to the fact Thompson can sign for more money to return to the Cavs.
LeBron believes his fellow ‘La Familia’ member will end up re-signing, when it’s all said and done but this might end up with Thompson signing the one year qualifying offer. The chances of him accepting a long-term deal for less than what he believe he is worth seems like a longshot.
Then again, crazier things have happened this summer.
