• Tristan Thompson

Tristan Thompson (Photo : Curtis Wilson / Reuters)

Quite surprisingly, Tristan Thompson is one of the few remaining unsigned free agents this summer. Is LeBron James behind the hold-up?

Tristan Thompson is still a restricted free agent for the Cleveland Cavaliers, meaning the Cavs can match any offer sheet thrown on the Canadian center/forward. But most teams have shied away since they are aware that the Cavs, and LeBron James have a stranglehold for his services since he has the same agent as James (Rich Paul).

Like Us on Facebook

So why isn't he signed yet?

One thing to consider is that the Cavaliers have already offered Thompson an extension amounting to $ 52 million over 4 years. That would average $ 13 million a year, but Thompson turned it down and decided to march into restricted free agency.

At the start of the off-season, there was already a rumored offer of $80 million for 5 years, right after the Cavs locked up Kevin Love. That was as early as July 1. Somehow, the signing has not taken place.

At this point, the only team with cap space that could throw an offer for Thompson is the Philadelphia 76ers, and it's unlikely they make a move. It seems that Thompson has run out of leverage.

This question was asked of LeBron James in a recent Twitter Q&A about Thompson and he was clear in his response.


While there seems to be no other choice for Thompson, Fear The Sword argues that Thompson is not at all unfazed and he actually has leverage.

He is one of the best offensive rebounders in the NBA and he has remained healthy, playing all 82 games in the past three years they failed to make the playoffs. While he is not so beneficial on offense, there is no question what he brings to the team and this was highlighted in the Finals when Kevin Love was injured.

But how much is he worth? There is no question the Cavs need to give LeBron James what he wants, and James wants Thompson on the team. But the question is, how much?

Hoops Habit asked this question, and hints that there might be a point when the Cavs may have drawn the line:

"But there comes a point when asking for too much is asking for too much. Thompson may have been better off taking the deal offered to him before the season began."

The stare down continues, and since LeBron James has already signed, it may not be about him anymore. The Cavs have gone beyond all tax lines already, and even the King may not make them budge any further.