Conflicting reports on Thompson and Cavaliers contract negotiations
There is no deal in place yet for the Cleveland Cavaliers and their restricted free agent Tristan Thompson, but the big man is now willing to settle for a $53 million contract over three years, according to a report.
Initially seeking a five-year deal worth the maximum of $94 million, Thompson is now willing to go down both in amount and total span of the contract, according to Chris Broussard of ESPN.
However, Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal and Joe Vardon from Cleveland.com report that there is no deal in place and that the Cavaliers are not interested in a three-year deal for Thompson.
I've been told reports of extension for Tristan Thompson inaccurate. No deal struck, nor do #Cavs seem interested in reported 3/$53 million
— Jason Lloyd (@JasonLloydABJ) September 24, 2015Reports of Tristan signing at three years for $53M are premature, sources emphatically insist
— Joe Vardon (@joevardon) September 24, 2015Earlier in the offseason, Thompson’s agent, Rich Paul has threatened that if his client settles for a qualifying offer for the 2015-2016 NBA season, the Cavaliers can expect Thompson to move to another team when he becomes an unrestricted free agent after the upcoming season.
“We are a long way from it, but it’s clear, yes,” Paul, who also represents Cavaliers star LeBron James, said in various reports. “If [Thompson] plays on the [qualifying offer], it will be his last year with the Cavs.”
Thompson, now a four-year NBA veteran, had a good postseason with the Cavaliers last year averaging 9.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocked shots in 20 playoff games.
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