The Cleveland Cavaliers might have won the offseason this year, but next summer will be just as crucial for the franchise as 2014 was. The team brought on Kevin Love, LeBron James, James Jones, Mike Miller and Shawn Marion which easily improves their roster for the upcoming year. However, two of those players will be needing new contracts as well as Tristan Thompson who has an expiring deal to his name. The Cavaliers will have to prioritize who gets what and how much, but can they re-sign everyone and avoid trades?
Thompson has been the center of trade rumors over recent weeks. The 23-year-old big man will not be a starter in the upcoming season, but has a lot of value coming off the bench. The Cavaliers would be wise to utilize that, but they also know a return value on Thompson could be pretty high. However, Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio believes that Cavaliers will actually aim to first attempt to re-sign Thompson rather than deal him.
Amico writes that this season will determine Thompson's future in Cleveland. The Cavaliers will likely not trade him at this point in the offseason, using him in the sixth man role, but how Thompson adjusts to his new position on the team will certainly dictate a lot for his future. Thompson could be in the starting five while he could also come off the bench, but he must adjust to playing alongside Love and James, something that may take some time. He will need to play more of a big man role rather than a standard forward, developing his skillset as a rim-protector while James, Love, Irving and Waiters carry the scoring load.
There has certainly been interest in Thompson. The New York Knicks have been mentioned in a trade for the young star. ESPN's SportsNation suggested a trade of Iman Shumpert for Thompson, something that is unlikely to happen at this point. The Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns have also had their names tossed around. Thompson brings a lot to the table after averaging 11.7 points and 9.2 rebounds last season while shooting 47.7 percent from the field.
In terms of contract extensions, James and Love will get first priority. Love will be looking to earn a max contract while James looks inclined to take a team-friendly deal. If he plays well this year, Thompson will want his money. He is not a max player, but will deserve a pay raise.
