The Cleveland Cavaliers strongly hinted that Tristan Thompson will be back next season, and will be playing on a hefty contract.
Cavaliers general manager David Griffin said Cleveland will have three max-level players and one "near max player." The only player that makes sense for is Thompson, and in the same swoop probably rules out a trade for Brooklyn Nets shooting guard Joe Johnson. Thompson's talks with the Cavaliers' front office have stalled, but Griffin remains optimistic.
"I don't know about relatively soon, but I hope so," Griffin said. "He's restricted, we really like him. I think we'll wind up getting something done."
The large contract Thompson is expected to sign has much to do with sharing an agent with LeBron James, because his production does not fit the profile of a max-level player. Last season Thompson averaged 8.5 points and eight rebounds along with 0.7 blocks. He was not an impactful player on defense, although he became an efficient scorer with James on the team.
Per reports, Cleveland initially offered four years and $52 million, and are believed to have upped their offer to five years and $80 million. Thompson also has the option to accept a one-year, $7 million qualifying offer and enter restricted free agency next season, when the salary cap is expected to being spiking. Thompson would open himself up to a potentially greater pool of money, but also risks the security of a contract approaching the maximum.
Griffin also discussed the prospects of bringing back sixth man J.R. Smith, who was a major weapon for them off the bench at times, but also erratic and difficult to rely on night to night.
"With J.R. ... he's a player I'd like to have back. We just have to find a way to make it work," Griffin said. Smith averaged 12.7 points in 45 games with Cleveland and shot 39 percent from 3-point range.
[Ohio.com]
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