The Cleveland Cavaliers benefitted from the rise of Tristan Thompson this year and especially in the playoffs when injuries became a big issue. Thompson quickly took over the role of Kevin Love and became a rebounding and defensive star for the team. After turning down a contract extension prior to the 2014-15 season beginning, Thompson is in for a big pay raise this year as a restricted free agent and he wants his money.
Thompson reportedly turned down a four-year, $52 million contract extension before the season began. Now, Bob Finnan of the News-Herald is reporting that Thompson is preparing to command a max contract or a deal very close to it. Thompson is represented by Rich Paul, the same agent of LeBron James, so the power forward is in good hands when it comes to negotiations. If the Cavaliers do not offer Thompson the big deal he is looking for, another team will as James has already advocated the forward becomes a Cavalier for life.
"Tristan should probably be a Cavalier for his whole career," James said, via ESPN.com. "There's no reason why he shouldn't."
James is expected to play a big role in free agency for the Cavaliers this season. According to Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press, LeBron James will "stop at nothing" to recruit players to Cleveland in the coming weeks. Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio followed that up by saying the wheels are already in motion with Dwyane Wade as an intended target. James will have a lot of say in who the Cavaliers chase in free agency and of course the reuniting of Wade and the forward would be a journalist's ideal dream, but if that were to happen, Wade must take a pay cut.
James will likely also push for JR Smith to return to the team. According to Chris Broussard of ESPN, Smith plans on opting out of his player option in hopes of the Cavaliers offering him more money. James was a big fan of Smith this season as his scoring abilities helped make up for the loss of Kyrie Irving. If the forward puts in a good word for him, Smith could see a favorable pay raise come his way.
While Love is also expected to opt out of his contract, chances are slim he gets the max deal this season. That money will go to Thompson while Love will wait one more season to get a big contract to his name.
