LeBron is done discussing Tristan Thompson's contract situation
Training camp is underway around the NBA, but in Cleveland, an important piece to the team's puzzle remains missing.
Tristan Thompson was a no-show for media day and has skipped the first couple of practices with the Cavaliers because he's still in the middle of a contract dispute with the team's brass. He wants a max deal that Cleveland has to this point been unwilling to offer, and is weighing the option of playing out the season on a one-year deal, before then becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer.
His absence is a distraction, even if it was somewhat expected. The players are going to continue to be asked about it, but LeBron James said he's done discussing the situation.
Things should be resolved very soon, because the deadline for him to sign -- whether for one year or for several -- is Oct. 1. But until it happens, players on the team are going to continue to be asked about it.
"Play my clips from yesterday, I've already addressed it," James said tersely, following the Cavs' first practice of the 2015-16 season. "I probably won't address it too much more. Like I said I'm optimistic both sides will get something done and he'll get here sooner than later."
Cavs coach David Blatt said Thompson's missing practice wasn't "too, too much (of a concern) right now," and "obviously we hope to see him as soon as possible.
"But as I know Tristan, he's maintaining great condition and he will hopefully be with us as soon as possible," Blatt said. "For a coach it's every day (wanting Thompson back). I'd rather not think about the bad end of the expectation. I'm just hoping to see him here sooner than later."
