Tristan Thompson finally agrees to new deal with Cavs

[Andrew]

He bet on himself, and it paid off...eventually, at almost the 11th hour and after it seemed the two sides couldn't come to terms.

Tristan Thompson agrees to 5-year, $82 million contract with Cleveland Cavaliers

League sources informed Northeast Ohio Media Group that the two sides agreed Wednesday to a five-year, $82 million pact, ending a lengthy stalemate that should ensure Thompson's presence in Northeast Ohio through the deals already in place with Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving and, most likely, LeBron James.

Cleveland will have the highest payroll in NBA history with the signing, opening training camp next week with a commitment this year of approximately $115 million.

Throw in the luxury tax, and they're certainly spending a bunch of money to keep their core together. Mind you, when you come within a couple of wins of the NBA championship, and you're considered the favourites to win it this season, it's not exactly a terrible investment. It's not like they're the Knicks of about ten years ago, with a huge payroll for a mediocre-at-best roster.

[Kevin]

Am I the only one who thinks this guy is overpaid? Should've gotten 60 or 68M max. This is just the cavs being so desperate for a championship.

[Andrew]

That's been my first thought for a lot of signings this offseason, but as others have pointed out, we're used to smaller salaries and salary caps. By the new standards, $82 million over five years for a solid, key role player isn't the same as paying them that much ten, or even five years ago.

[NovU]

No doubt he's played well during Love's injury and especially the Finals performance was an eye catcher. And this is probably why players like to be on the winning team. It inflates their value. Perhaps Tristan is as good as his contract but there's still doubt much of it is due to LeBron buff.

[Andrew]

Well, LeBron did miss a lot of shots in the Finals. That probably did contribute to Thompson's offensive rebounding numbers.

I think Thompson is solid. Perhaps he is slightly overpaid, but again, $82 million over five years these days is kind of like $60 million over five years, five years ago. With that in mind, and the Cavs coming so close to winning it all (and him being a key contributor in those efforts), it's a fair deal in today's market.

[air gordon]

Lebron has nothing to do with that strong backside TT possesses.... Or does he lol

It's a definite overpay and gotta give it up for TT and agent on getting the contract. Was Cleveland ever in danger of losing him??

[Andrew]

If he'd accepted the qualifying offer, they could've lost him next season. He was a restricted free agent, so they could've matched any offer; had he sat out the season, he'd be a restricted free agent next offseason again, so Cleveland definitely had some leverage.

[mp3]

Far to much money to pay a guy on your bench imo

I know he was key In the playoffs but still... that payroll...

Gilbert sure is making it up to LeBron for not spending big when he was first in Cleveland

[NovU]

Yup, it looks like all in move by Gilbert.

As long as Mozgov and Love are healthy, Tristan will be little used. If not, there'll be obvious timeshare between 4 capable bigs (to include Varejao). This is big money for someone that'll be 3rd or 4th wheel.

[Stress Fracture]

Cavs should've signed Reggie Evans instead.

[mp3]

This is a guy LeBron wanted back though and I think with Dan Gilbert James has so much pulling power than his first tour in Cleveland.

LeBron wanted Kevin Love Gilbert knew this so is trying to please him and the same with TT.

At the end of the day if Gilbert is willing to spend all that in luxury tax that's his call, I never have a problem with a owner wanting to bring his team a ring and spending a lot of his own money to do so but even Mark Cuben has his limits when it comes to smart business moves and basketball