The addition of LeBron James to the Cleveland Cavaliers means a former starter will get pushed to the bench. Dion Waiters thought his starting spot was taken until the Cavaliers traded Andrew Wiggins. However, Tristan Thompson is not as lucky. With James and Kevin Love expected to start, Thompson is headed to the bench and possibly out of Cleveland altogether.
Thompson will be a restricted free agent next summer. He is currently expendable to the Cavaliers. While Thompson will be a quality backup to James, he no longer warrants his $6 million salary. According to NBA HoopsRumors.com writer Chuck Myron, the Cavaliers will not overpay for Thompson come free agency next summer. The team ideally would like to keep the forward for the long-term, but he might be forced to take a team discount if he wants to stick around as well. Thompson's role will shrink in the upcoming season and the Cavaliers will pay him accordingly.
Starting next summer, Cleveland has a lot of money that will need to be handed out. James has a player option for 2015 that he promises he is taking. However, a contract extension could be the better option for the Cavaliers. Love will also be re-signing. According to ESPN.com, part of his trade deal includes a guarantee to re-sign in free agency in 2015. Thompson is not the priority when two of the team's biggest stars are expecting more money.
Could Thompson end up being traded? The team's biggest weakness at the moment is the lack of depth behind Kyrie Irving. With the free agency pool less than impressive, the Cavaliers could trade for someone. However, Myron reports that if a trade is happening, it will not be until the end of the season. With Bennett off the roster, Thompson is crucial to the team's second unit. However, a trade could take place if the forward has no intentions of taking a pay cut or wants to become a starter again.
Thompson was the No. 4 selection in the 2011 draft. He averaged 11.7 points and 9.2 rebounds per game last season while shooting 47.7 percent from the field. He is a valuable asset that will attract attention on the trade market if the Cavaliers go the route. Right now they have a number of veterans signed to short-term deals so the idea of stock piling on other players next offseason could entice the Cavaliers to deal.