NBA News: Tristan Thompson’s new contract with Cavs makes him NBA’s ‘most overpaid’ power forward

Restricted free agent Tristan Thompson has ended a lengthy contract impasse with the Cleveland Cavaliers after the Canadian international agreed to a five-year US$82 million (approx. AU$113.5 million) deal on Wednesday.

Thompson has completed a new deal with the Cavs that will see him suiting up for last year’s NBA Eastern Conference champs for five years. According to Chris Haynes of Northeast Ohio Media Group, the Cavs will enter the 2015-2016 NBA season with the highest payroll, committing this year for an approximate amount of US$115 million (approx. AU$159.2 million).

Thompson, who turned down a four-year US$52 million (approx. AU$71.9 million) offer from the Cavs prior to last season, missed the team’s training camp and the entire preseason, as the 6-foot-10 power forward held out for a more lucrative contract than the one he received. Thompson would have had the chance to entertain other offers next season, had he not agreed to terms with Cleveland.

Marc J Spears of Yahoo Sports noted that Thompson’s new contract gives him US$2 million (approx. AU$2.7 million) more from what Cleveland initially offered during this summer’s free agency period. Thompson’s new contract makes him the sixth-highest paid power forward in the league behind his Cavs teammate Kevin Love, San Antonio Spurs’ Lamarcus Aldridge, LA Clippers’ Blake Griffin, Atlanta Hawks’ Paul Millsap and Boston Celtics’ David Lee.

However, ESPN’s Chris Sheridan took to the social media site, Twitter, to post his claims that Thompson’s new deal with the Cavs makes him NBA’s "most overpaid" player. Thompson reportedly has a limited skill set at the PF position, although he also played centre when the Cavs opted to run small ball during the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. Thompson's contribution on the defensive end could range from being a rim protector to a low post defender, while his scoring outputs could only come from within the painted area.

However, according to the Bleacher Report’s Matt Fitzgerald, Thompson’s extension suggest that he is in the Cavs’ long-term plans, with possibilities of having the tenacious-rebounding Canadian cemented in the team’s starting five. The report also pointed out that Thompson has plenty of room to improve on offense with his athleticism and versatility. Fitzgerald said that Thompson is actually a worthy investment.

Thompson became a restricted free agent following the Cavs’ failed attempt for an NBA championship last season. The 24-year-old power forward averaged 8 points and 8 rebounds last season, but an injured Love gave him more minutes on the hard court, and Thompson recorded a significant increase in averages during the playoffs with 9.6 points and 10.8 rebounds. However, with Love almost healthy, Thompson is expected to be David Blatt’s second option at PF position.

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