Cleveland Cavaliers big man Tristan Thompson could find himself getting starters’ minutes this season, and he’ll be looking to get paid next summer. Thompson who shares an agent with superstar teammate (and de facto Cavs general manager) LeBron James, could become a restricted free agent in 2015.
Reportedly, the Thompson camp will be seeking a deal that pays him at least $11 million per year. Per the Akron Beacon Journal:
The two sides haven’t really discussed numbers, one source involved in the process said recently, but that isn’t a surprise. Kyrie Irving is the only member of the 2011 class thus far to sign an extension, although guys like Klay Thompson, Kenneth Faried and Kawhi Leonard could be next. The deadline to sign is Oct. 31.
There are plenty of tentacles to a potential Thompson extension. He is represented by Rich Paul, who also represents LeBron. He will probably lose his starting spot (although we’ve already outlined how he could remain a starter). Becoming a reserve would decrease his minutes and productivity, yet playing alongside his new cast of teammates could simplify his role (run the floor and rebound) and make him a much better player.
He will ask for the type of money previously given to Derrick Favors (four years, $49 million) and Larry Sanders (four years, $44 million). What will hurt Thompson’s case, however, is the Greg Monroe saga. Monroe, by all accounts a better player than Thompson, was forced to sign a one-year qualifying offer with the Pistons after failing to reach agreement on a long-term contract with anyone this summer. He will now be an unrestricted free agent next summer.
