The Cleveland Cavaliers may have won the 2014 offseason, but the work behind the scenes is really just beginning. The contract situations for Cleveland get even more trickier next offseason as the team must figure out how to take on two max contracts and a pay raise for the team's biggest star. The salary cap will be much bigger with the new TV deal which means any players eligible to extend their contracts now will likely wait, including Tristan Thompson.
Throughout the entire offseason, it was assumed that Thompson was out in Cleveland. The Cavaliers were in heavy pursuit of Kevin Love and throwing together every imaginable trade package in order to win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Thompson's name was in almost every one of them. However, he managed to survive and is now in position to be a starter for the team in 2014. So, despite all of the trade rumors, what happens to Thompson's expiring contract?
According to Steve Kyler of BasketballInsiders.com, the Cavaliers will wait until next summer to negotiate a contract with Thompson. The power forward will be a restricted free agent if he does not sign a deal come October 31. The two sides have barely had any discussions regarding a price value for the former first-round draft pick. Kyler believes that both sides intend to wait on a contract, which could be the best situation. The Cavaliers will have more salary cap space to work with. Thompson has a full season to prove his worth to the team. Then come the summer of 2015, the two parties can sit down and come up with a fair contract that works for both Thompson and the team.
By the sound of things, the Cavaliers intend to keep Thompson around. The power forward spent time on the bench and off it for most of last season, but appears to be the team's starting center in 2014. In preseason play, it has been Thompson starting under the rim rather than Anderson Varejao. The Cavaliers like his size and athleticism for the role over the veteran. Not to mention, LeBron James might be Thompson's biggest fan. The forward continues to praise the young star and his potential in the league which might be enough to entice Cleveland to keep him around.
The Cavaliers got Kyrie Irving signed to a max contract. Kevin Love will be next. ESPN reported that was part of the trade negotiations for the forward. James will also need a new deal after signing a two-year contract in the offseason. Thompson will have to wait his turn but if he puts out a good season, it could work in his favor.
