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Cleveland Cavaliers: Why Tristan Thompson Should Re-Sign

By Jamyson Frierson

Jun 9, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) handles the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the first quarter in game three of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 9, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) handles the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the first quarter in game three of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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There’s an old saying that goes, “There’s always one sour [insert fruit] in a bunch.”

This could definitely apply to the Cleveland Cavaliers offseason. Every player that was a free agent or had an expiring contract was re-signed … except for one. Now before I mention the name of this player. I want to analyze a few statistics. This man averaged 8.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game last season. In his four-year career, he’s averaged 10.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.

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The most this player has ever averaged was 11.7 points and 9.4 rebounds in 2012-13. He only started in every game twice and has averaged only 28.5 minutes per game for his career thus far.

With those credentials, this player wants a five-year, $94 million contract. Now, let’s compare him to one of the best PF’s in the NBA, LaMarcus Aldridge. Aldridge signed a four-year, $84 million deal which is a huge pay cut of what he is truly worth with his skill set and experience. In his eight year career, he’s averaged 19.4 ppg and 8.4 rpg.

He has also made four All-Star Game appearances while the other player hasn’t made any. The one advantage this other player has is his durability, but it still doesn’t compare to the production and overall dependence the Portland Trail Blazers had for Aldridge.

Heck, even Draymond Green who is a similar player to this man–and put up better offensive numbers,  signed a five-year, $85 million deal and he averaged 11.7 ppg and 8.2 rpg.

Apr 22, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beat Portland Trail Blazers 97 – 82 Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beat Portland Trail Blazers 97 – 82 Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

By now, I think you know that I’m talking about Tristan Thompson.

There are some who believe that Tristan is worth the max deal due to his emergence and importance throughout the playoffs last year, however, most executives around the NBA believe that he should sign the five-year, $80 million deal that has been offered to him since he turned down a four-year, $52 million extension at the beginning of last season.

Now it is known that Rich Paul (Klutch Sports Group), who is also the best friend and agent of LeBron James, will push any team to the final minute to give his player the deal that he wants. For example, he landed an injury-prone Eric Bledsoe a five-year, $70 million deal with the Phoenix Suns which many believed was too much.

He’s trying to do the same thing with the Cavs, but smartly–they aren’t taking the bait … yet. According to reports, they are still $14 million apart.

Paul has also threatened the Cavs saying if Thompson signs the one-year, $6.8 million qualifying offer, it would be his last year in Cleveland and that he could potentially land with the Toronto Raptors. Alot of people were basing the friendship of LeBron and Tristan on him making a quick decision, but LeBron has opted to stay out of all negotiations and focus on the upcoming season.

Now Tristan only has two options at this point. If his mind is set to become a unrestricted free agent in the next few years with the cap expansion, he could sign an offer sheet for two years along with a player option at the max being offered, which would save about $10 million.

The only other team that can offer him a max deal currently is the Trail Blazers, and he would be foolish to leave a contender to go to one that is rebuilding. His other option is to sign the $80 million deal, produce, and embrace his role and potentially get that bump in his pay that could add up to the $94 million deal he wants over time.

So what is the solution?

He should re-sign and enjoy playing for a contender. Unfortunately, it is hard to determine what a player truly wants to accomplish these days. Once a league where every player wanted to play for a championship–is now a league with dubious options.

Some do want to play for numerous championships while some are satisfied with mediocrity and playing to be the next “star” or being in their hometown. What does Tristan want to do? It is ultimately up to him.

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