Report: Disgruntled Thompson might skip start of Cavs training camp
The Cleveland Cavaliers won't be at full strength as the team enters media day on Monday. Part of that was expected, given Kyrie Irving's absence. But Tristan Thompson will reportedly miss media day as well and could skip the start of Cavs training camp on Tuesday, as the two sides were unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension, according to ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst.
Windhorst reports that Thompson has until Thursday to accept Cleveland's qualifying offer for 2015-16, which would be worth $6.9 million.
Thompson is a restricted free agent; as such, he is not subject to any discipline for missing team activities, according to ESPN.com.
There were reports at the end of last week that Thompson had lowered his contract demands from a full maximum contract, but the two sides have still been unable to come to terms.
LeBron James, who is also represented by Thompson's agent, Rich Paul, is confident an agreement can be reached. The sides could mutually agree to extend the qualifying offer deadline.
"As the leader of this team I understand how important Tristan is to this team," said James. "I thought we all saw what he was able to do last year, and not only in the postseason but all year around to help us be successful. So I'm very optimistic something will get done on both sides long-term."
General manager David Griffin would not discuss any specifics about negotiations, but made it clear that team has affection for Thompson.
"We love Tristan and we want him to be part of our future," Griffin said. "We're excited about moving forward with him into the future in whatever form that may take."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
