Restricted free agent Tristan Thompson and the Cleveland Cavaliers are nearing agreement on a deal worth "in excess of $80 million," according to ESPN's Marc Stein and Brian Windhorst. The length of the deal hasn't been reported yet, but it will likely be a five-year pact running through the 2019-20 season.
Tristan Thompson to sign lucrative extension with Cavaliers, per report
The Cavaliers are forking up to keep one of LeBron’s favorite players in Cleveland for a long time.
Thompson, 24, declined a four-year, $52 million contract extension last summer and it hardly could have worked out better. LeBron James arrived in the offseason and Thompson quickly became one of his favorites with his hard-working nature and ability to keep possessions alive. Thanks to a huge postseason, Thompson was expected to get a max or near-max salary headed into July. With the reported deal valued at $80 million, he's getting that money.
Since being drafted, Thompson has come into the league and essentially done exactly what people expected. His offensive game hasn’t developed much -- his scoring is limited to lay-ups, dunks and floaters around the rim that have excellent touch -- but he hustles and plays solid defense. His bread and butter is his offensive rebounding, which is around the top 10 in the NBA.
Love Coming Back
Thompson has remarkably consistent averages throughout his career, mainly rising or falling based on his minutes played. Last season, the 24-year-old averaged nine points, eight rebounds and a block on a career-high 55 percent shooting.
When James said he wants a player back, there’s really no choice about it. He’s the best and most powerful player in the NBA and there’s no reason to do anything to annoy him, especially seeing how Thompson is a quality young big. There’s still hope Thompson can develop a consistent jump shot or develop in other ways as a player, but if he’s reached his ceiling, that’s not too bad either.
★★★
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