Cavs, Thompson agree on $82M deal
5-year contract ends stalemate
Already an elite rebounder, Tristan Thompson snatched a long-term contract from the Cavaliers.
The restricted freeagent forward has agreed in principle with the defending Eastern Conference champions on a fiveyear, $82 million contract, ending his holdout and giving the Cavs needed frontcourt depth as they enter a new season.
The team confirmed Wednesday night that it had a verbal agreement with Thompson, who helped the Cavs get to the NBA Finals last season by filling in for an injured Kevin Love. Thompson had been seeking a maximum deal, while the Cavs made it known they valued the former No. 4 overall pick but weren’t going to overpay for a reserve
The sides had been in an awkward stalemate that threatened to carry over into the regular season. But agent Rich Paul, who also represents star LeBron James, and Cleveland’s front office were able to come to terms less than a week before the opener at Chicago.
There’s a chance the deal will be finalized today and Thompson can begin practicing.
When Thompson declined to sign a one-year, $6.9 million qualifying offer from the team last month, it appeared he might be willing to sit out part of the regular season. James had called Thompson’s holdout a “distraction,” and the impasse over the contract threatened to sidetrack the Cavs from getting back to the Finals.
But now Thompson will back up Love and provide his usual energy for Cleveland’s second unit.
Thompson came through in the playoffs after Love dislocated his left shoulder in the first round. The 24-year-old averaged 9.6 points and 10.8 rebounds in the postseason.
Briefly: Kobe Bryant received treatment for a bruised lower leg and did not practice Wednesday. Bryant is “doubtful at best” to play in the Lakers’ exhibition finale today against Golden State, according to a team spokesman. The Lakers say they’re not worried, even though Bryant hasn’t been the same since banging into Sacramento center Kosta Koufos in an exhibition on Oct. 13.
WEDNESDAY’S GAMES
Magic 110, Pelicans 107 (OT) at Orlando, Fla.: Nik Vucevic scored 24 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to help Orlando beat New Orleans. Anthony Davis had 33 points and 16 rebounds for New Orleans, and Nate Robinson had 18 points.
Hornets 99, Pistons 94 at Auburn Hills, Mich.: Nicolas Batum had 18 points and 10 rebounds to help Charlotte move to 7-0 in the preseason. Jeremy Lin had 18 points for the Hornets, and Al Jefferson had nine points in the second half. Andre Drummond led Detroit with 21 points and 15 rebounds, and Reggie Jackson also had a double-double with 10 points and 11 assists.
Heat 110, Wizards 105 at Miami: Gerald Green scored 13 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter and Dwyane Wade scored with 40.8 seconds left to put Miami up for good. Marcin Gortat scored 18 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, while Kris Humphries added 16 points and 12 rebounds for Washington.
Suns 99, Mavericks 87 at Dallas: Jon Leuer scored eight of his 11 points in the fourth quarter as Phoenix rallied from a 16-point deficit to beat Dallas. The Mavericks led 61-45 early in the third quarter but scored only 26 points over the final 21 minutes. Markieff Morris led the Suns with 18 points.