Tristan Thompson could be a future free agent target for the Toronto Raptors if he can't get a contract extension done with the Cleveland Cavaliers, as his agent Rich Paul thinks that a max deal could be available next summer from the Raptors. The Raptors also could be a fit for a Markieff Morris trade with the Suns and this comes as the team is reportedly working on a contract extension with Terrence Ross.
The Cavs and Thompson have been working on a deal all summer and the sides reportedly are not close to agreeing on a long-term extension. According to Bleacher Report, Ric Bucher reports that Thompson and his camp are looking for a max deal and they "will not sign a long-term" contract unless it is for the max. Thompson has some leverage, as he can sign his qualifying offer and threaten to leave next summer, but that is still a long ways off.
Bucher added to the max deal report, writing that Thompson's agent Rich Paul thinks that Thompson can get a max deal from the Raptors next summer. Brian Windhorst reported last month that the Cavs and Thompson were in a "stalemate" over talks, as Thompson's situation doesn't have a great "precedent" and that has made negotiations slow. Thompson has the talent for max money and as he watches other players get paid big, he wants that as well. Time will tell on this one, but if the Raptors want to do it, it likely means a move with Ross or DeMar DeRozan.
Markieff Morris is reportedly unhappy in Phoenix and he is hoping to get traded before the season starts. According to Pro Basketball Talk, Morris would like a deal to the Rockets or the Raptors if he has the chance, although the Suns may not grant that request. Morris has a relationship with Kyle Lowry and he reportedly would like a deal out of Phoenix, as he is upset after his brother was traded this summer.
Check here for more on Thompson and the Cavaliers and the potential of a deal with the Raptors in the future. Check here for more on Ross and Valanciunas.
The Raptors have already reached a contract extension with Jonas Valanciunas and now Ross could be next to get a deal from the team. According to Yahoo Sports, Valanciunas signed a four year deal worth $64 million and he now is locked in as a core player for the Raptors. The team would have to make some major moves to try and get Thompson, but now they know that Valanciunas likely will be around for a while.
Valanciunas is still very young at 23 and he has shown potential and now could grow into a more productive player for Toronto. The Raptors reportedly are talking with Ross about a contract extension and is comes after the team signed Valanciunas. According to PBT, Masai Ujiri said that the team has had "some talks" about a deal with Ross. Ross is one of the young core players for the Raptors and it would be big to lock him up moving forward.