CLEVELAND — Tristan Thompson's return to the Cleveland Cavaliers was supposed to be quick and easy.
After all, Thompson is viewed as nothing more than a role player to most. A backup with little-to-no offensive game. A poor shooter and shot-blocker who has a lot of room to develop.
A max-money type of player? Don't make us laugh.
Such were the opinions often shared on Thompson's social media pages and in comment sections Internet-wide this past summer.
How dare he want more money than we deem reasonable!
Nearly four months into free agency, Thompson and the Cavs eventually settled on $82 million over the next five years. More than the Cavaliers originally offered ($80 million over five) but far less than he reportedly wanted (a max $94 million).
Thompson's value to the Cavaliers is tough to measure in dollars. On a rebuilding team that needs to keep a flexible payroll in the future, Thompson's deal could be crippling.
On this Cleveland squad with a championship-or-bust mantra and a sky-rocketing salary cap, he's well worth it.
With messy co ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NBA
Article written by Greg Swartz
Cleveland Cavs’ Tristan Thompson Is Already Worth His Huge New Contract
November 6th, 2015 by Greg Swartz Leave a reply »
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