Report States Cavaliers Did Not Pull Deal Offered To Tristan Thompson

According to Chris Haynes of Northeast Ohio Media Group, the Cavaliers did not pull their five-year $80-million offer to power forward Tristan Thompson.

“There’s no communication ongoing between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Thompson’s agents, Rich Paul and Mark Termini, Northeast Ohio Media Group has learned.

Cleveland’s offer is still in the ballpark of five years for $80 million, give or take.

The Cavs did not withdraw the offer once the qualifying-offer deadline passed. Paul is adamant his client is worth a max contract, rather it be over five or three years.”

This marks another interesting development after a report came out days ago that LeBron James has kept in “constant contact” with Thompson throughout the ordeal.

James has stayed relatively neutral when discussing the matter in public, but has admitted it is a distraction and is not good for the team.

The Cavs have played poorly in the preseason, entering Monday night 0 and 6 with one last preseason game to go, but the record is less of an issue than the lack of depth on the roster.

Thompson and Paul have stayed consistent with their desired contract and the Cavaliers have stayed consistent on their end, and the longer it has gone on, it appears neither side is benefiting.

The Cavs are banged up. Thompson’s reputation with fans and the basketball community is taking a beating, and LeBron is caught in between a difficult dilemma of wanting what is best for his team on the court, what is best for the team for salary purposes for years to come, and what is best for his friends Thompson and Paul to get the most money they can.

After the Cavaliers traded Dion Waiters in January of 2015, there wasn’t even an inkling of any discontent om the locker room. Everyone on the roster was moving in one direction, and thanks in large part to Thompson, they sailed through some tough waters all the way to the NBA Finals.

This season is not starting off on a good note for LeBron and company, and the Thompson situation may be one of the biggest reasons for that. Both sides have major concessions to make before this issue is resolved and it does not appear anything is imminent.

The Cavs play the Dallas Mavericks at the Q for the final preseason game tonight; Love will be on the court, and a cloud of uncertainty will be hanging over the Cavaliers’ future.