On Monday, the Cavaliers allowed in reporters for media day, but Tristan Thompson was nowhere to be seen, as he has yet to agree to a new contract.
Last week, Thompson lowered his demands from a 5-year/$94 million contract to a 3-year/$53 million one, but the Cavaliers would not bite, reported ESPN. The Thompson saga has been ongoing all summer, with Thompson and his agent Rich Paul pushing for a maximum deal and the Cavaliers balking at Thompson’s demands.
“We love Tristan Thompson and we want him to be part of our future,” Cavs general manager David Griffin said at media day on Monday. “I think everything in our actions and our offer indicate that. ... We're excited about moving forward with him into the future in whatever form that may take.”
Thompson has until Thursday to reach a deal with the Cavs, or accept a one-year qualifying offer of $6.9 million that would allow him to hit unrestricted free agency next summer, which would allow him to sign with the highest-bidding team.
Thompson’s ongoing contract saga has been complicated by the involvement of his agent, Rich Paul, who also represents LeBron James. While James is not directly involved with negogiations, he has expressed a desire for Thompson to remain in Cleveland, according to USA Today.
Griffin remained optimistic in resigning Thompson, who averaged 8.5 points and 8 rebounds in 26.8 minutes per game last season as a key reserve.
"There's nothing lost by what Tristan is doing in this process. This is his right to do this. This system works for a reason."
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