Tristan Thompson might not have the confident of the Cleveland Cavaliers' coaching staff, but he has the confident of LeBron James which might be enough to secure his future in Cleveland for years to come. Thompson's future with the Cavaliers has been in doubt ever since his name was tossed into the Kevin Love trade rumors at the start of the offseason. Many believed the Cavaliers were willing to part with the power forward considering his contract was easy to move. However, James has been a big endorser of Thompson and his value on the roster which could help him get a new deal in Cleveland.
Thompson is set to be a restricted free agent this coming summer. The Cavaliers have continued to toy with the idea of trading him as they look for help at the center position. But with the season set to begin in a few weeks, Thompson has survived and resumes his spot on the pay roll. James is thrilled to be working with Thompson, saying so in his now-famous "I'm Coming Home" letter. Will that help the young forward's future?
According to Ohio.com, the Cavaliers have not ruled out a trade of Thompson, but might keep him around in order to keep James happy. There is belief that re-signing Thompson will appease James and the Cavaliers was nothing more than to keep their franchise star happy. The two players are friends off the court. Instagram certainly show proof of that. After reports surfaced that the amnesty of Mike Miller from the Miami Heat played a role in James leaving this summer, Cleveland would prefer to simply keep the star happy.
The issue with Thompson is what type of deal to sign him to. The forward has not been a consistent starter for the team, but has proved to be quality in the time he has been given. Preseason scrimmages show that right Thompson is penciled in as the starting center for the team over veteran Anderson Verejao. If he does well then a nice pay raise is in his future. At 23, he fits the long-term contract mold, but to what value?
According to Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Thompson has not met with anyone about getting a new contract. Salary cap space could be an issue. Kyrie Irving inked a max deal this offseason. Kevin Love is expected to earn the same. James will need a new deal. That will play a huge role in what kind of contract Thompson is offered. The Cavaliers could end up being in a negotiations war with the forward is he plays well this season and feels he deserves a big contract.
