The Cavaliers and free agent Tristan Thompson have not reached an agreement on an extension, reports ESPN's Brian Windhorst. The gap "isn't vast" and the conversations are continuing but no resolution has been reached yet, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Chris Haynes.
Cavaliers, Tristan Thompson haven’t reached agreement on extension yet, per report
No agreement has been reached yet but Thompson will likely stay in Cleveland.
David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Thompson and the Cavaliers were reportedly close to agreeing on a new contract that would have paid the power forward “in excess of $80 million.” These new reports make it clear that no deal is in place and the two parties are still negotiating.
Thompson entered free agency after bolstering his value with a great playoff run. When Kevin Love was ruled out for the season with a shoulder injury, Thompson stepped in as a starter and averaged close to a double-double in the playoffs. In the finals against the Warriors he was a key player, averaging 10 points and 13 rebounds in 41 minutes per game. It was a showcase performance that vaulted him into an eight-figure contract.
Despite his ascendance and the fact that he shares an agent with LeBron James, the Cavaliers have leverage because Thompson is a restricted free agent, meaning they can match any offer sheet he signs. The talks haven't broken down so it's unlikely it will come to that, but Cleveland could in theory let the market set Thompson's price and bring him back at that value.
It’s almost certain Thompson will play for the Cavaliers next season. What’s left to determine is how much he will make while doing so.
See More:
