Tristan Thompson reportedly willing to sign with Cavs for less than max
Reports conflict on whether restricted free agent Tristan Thompson could be returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers on a three-year deal worth $53 million.
ESPN’s Chris Broussard reported Thursday that Thompson’s agent, Rich Paul, would have him sign the long-term contract with the Cavs. Broussard says the deal will be worth upward of $17 million annually.
Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal indicates that Broussard’s report is inaccurate, that no deal exists and that the Cavs “do not seem interested” in the reported figures. Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com also says reports of Thompson agreeing to the deal are inaccurate.
After the conflicting reports emerged, Broussard tweeted a clarification: Thompson is now apparently willing to sign a deal at those figures, and has backed off his demand for a max, but no deal has been agreed to thus far.
Thompson, 24, and Cleveland have been embroiled in contract negotiations since the start of free agency. Cleveland and Thompson were reportedly discussing a five-year, $80 million deal before talks fell apart.
Thompson's camp, led by Paul, had reportedly been holding out for a max offer worth around $94 million. Thompson could also accept a qualifying offer from Cleveland and become an unrestricted free agent next off-season, but risk leaving major guaranteed money on the table.
• MAHONEY: What is Tristan Thompson really worth to the Cavs?
Paul, also the agent for Cavaliers star LeBron James, had said that a one-year deal would mean this season will be Thompson's last in Cleveland.
Thompson increased his value during the Cavaliers' run to the NBA Finals, upping his per-game averages in minutes, points and rebounds during the playoffs. Thompson averaged 8.5 points and eight rebounds during the regular season, and 9.6 points and 10.8 rebounds in 20 playoff games.
- Jeremy Woo
