The Tristan Thompson saga continues. The power forward remains the main headline for the Cleveland Cavaliers as the power forward is still unsigned despite reports of a potential contract getting signed this past weekend. The Cavaliers are preparing to head into training camp this week and Thompson remains unsigned and the outlook is looking grimmer by the minute.
According to ESPN's Chris Broussard, Thompson was set to agree to a three-year max contract. Thompson has remained adamant on his stance to get a max deal and it appeared the compromise was going to be a three-year deal instead of a five-year deal. However, now ESPN's Brian Windhorst is reporting that no deal was signed and now the power forward has until Thursday to either get a long-term contract or sign his qualifying offer worth one-year and $6.9 million.
The Cavaliers are at a cross roads with Thompson. According to his agent Rich Paul, if Thompson does not sign a long-term deal, he will leave in free agency next summer. Thompson raised his stock in last year's playoffs and if he has a good season he could be in high demand come free agency. The Cavaliers run the risk of losing the power forward for nothing in return.
Windhorst is reporting that Thompson is expected to holdout and miss the start of practice which begins on Tuesday. Right now, the Cavaliers have Kevin Love penciled as the starter at power forward. He has been cleared to begin practice following a shoulder injury. Thompson will play for the Cavaliers this season, but a trade mid-season could come into discussion if Cleveland buys into the threats made by Paul. There are no concrete reports that this would happen, but the Cavaliers could take a similar route to that of the Minnesota Timberwolves or Boston Celtics who traded their stars before losing them for nothing in return.
For his part, LeBron James is staying out of negotiations for Thompson despite being represented by the same agent. According to Joe Vardon of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, James is not getting involved in contract talks for the power forward and is instead focusing on getting ready for the season ahead. James held team workouts in Miami which Thompson did not attend. The power forward is not expected to be at media day either.
The Cavaliers have depth in size. Timofey Mozgov returns while Anderson Varejao is getting healthy following a season-ending injury. The team would lose good production off the bench if they had to move Thompson, but as long as other players stay healthy they might be able to weather the storm. After back and forth conversations throughout the offseason, the chances Thompson inks a deal in time seem slim.
