Cleveland Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson has been a holdout all offseason as he tries to sign a long-term deal with the team, but that doesn't seem to be coming anytime soon. According to Chris Hayes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Thompson's holdout could extend well into the regular season:
There's no communication ongoing between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Thompson's agents, Rich Paul and Mark Termini, Northeast Ohio Media Group has learned.
In fact, there doesn't seem to be a sense of urgency from either side in reaching an agreement. And that means Thompson's stalemate will continue to hover over the organization like a black cloud, a cloud LeBron James considers "a distraction."
Internally, members of the Cavaliers have expressed to each other how it would be such an unnecessary hurdle to try to contend for a title without their best offensive rebounder and most versatile big defender.
Thompson refused to sign the one-year tender Cleveland offered him as a restricted free agent in hopes of reaching a long-term deal. He is seeking a five-year, $94 million contract, but the most Cleveland has offered is a five-year, $80 million contract.
Thompson averaged 8.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game last season.
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