Could this contract compromise work for Tristan Thompson and the Cavaliers?
Tristan Thompson and the Cavaliers are reportedly $14 million apart on a new contract, and with training camp less than a week away, neither side seems willing to budge.
Thompson will play for Cleveland this season, of course, so things aren't really that serious. But his agent has threatened that if Thompson doesn't get the max offer he's seeking now, then he'll bolt the franchise as an unrestricted free agent the moment he's able to do so next summer.
Might there be a compromise that could be agreeable to both sides? Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com has one such proposal.
This works in the face-saving department for Thompson's agent, but overall, there's much more money to be had if Thompson simply waits until next summer to get that max contract -- either from the Cavaliers, or from someone else.
(h/t: Cleveland.com)
Three young big men recently signed extensions:
1. Jonas Valanciunas: $65 million for four years with Toronto.
2. Enes Kanter: $70 million for four years with Oklahoma City, matching an offer sheet from Utah.
3. Draymond Green: $83 million for five years from Golden State.
In the 2011 draft, Kanter was the No. 3 pick. Thompson was selected No. 4. Valanciunas was No. 5. Green was a second-round pick in 2012.
Suppose the Cavs offered Thompson something in the range of $86 million over five years -- more than the other three players, yet below the maximum. It could be considered a negotiating win for both sides ... or a compromise.
