The Cleveland Cavaliers are in a tight spot. The team is heavily strapped for cash with one more major star demanding a contract they simply cannot afford. Tristan Thompson remains unsigned as a restricted free agent and is not happy with the way contract talks are going with the Cavaliers at this point in the offseason. The power forward increased his value greatly after the injury to Kevin Love in the playoffs and intends to get paid like it. The issue is Cleveland cannot afford his demands.
According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the Cavaliers and Thompson are so far apart on contract talks that thy might never come to an agreement. Windhorst reports that Thompson wants a max contract of five years and $94 million. The Cavaliers are offering significantly less due to the fact that they simply cannot afford that deal at the moment. Instead, Thompson could be forced into a one-year qualifying offer of $6.8 million, to which his agent threatens the power forward will leave in free agency.
"If [Thompson] is on the qualifying offer, [this] will be his last year with the Cavs," agent Rich Paul told several media outlets, including ESPN.
It is tough to determine the value of Thompson. Of course he was a star last season and with the rising salary cap next season a contract of $94 million is not a huge hit. However, next season, Thompson is not likely to be a starter. Love and Timofey Mozgov will take care of size on the court leaving the power forward to come off the bench. Will Cleveland pay that much money for a reserve?
LeBron James wants a contract done for Thompson. In a Twitter Q&A he guaranteed fans that Thompson would be back, saying he is critical to the success of the team. The issue is that Thompson wants to be paid now and not later. There has not been any interest around the young star as he remains unsigned. Most believe that any offer placed on Thompson will simply be matched by the Cavaliers. However, the team has been hesitant to make a move so if another franchise comes in, they could get out-bid for the power forward.
The Cavaliers are still trying to see out deals for JR Smith who is awaiting his potential return to Cleveland. According to FOX Sports, the Cavaliers are also considering a trade for Jamal Crawford instead of bringing Smith back. The Cavaliers have tradeable assets that could easily get the deal done and potentially free up more space.