David Griffin: Cavs still want J.R. Smith back, Tristan Thompson's deal could take time

Las Vegas has a bit of a different feel this year for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Andrew Wiggins isn't playing, nor is Anthony Bennett or Dion Waiters or any other young guys the Cavs have a ton invested in. Joe Harris is the only guy on the roster with a guaranteed contract. Even so, there are still important things the Cavs have to work out. Tristan Thompson and Matthew Dellavedova are restricted free agents. J.R. Smith is an unrestricted free agent.

Regardless of how those situations work out, the Cavs receive solid marks for their offseason. LeBron James will be back, and Kevin Love will be back. With Love signing a five year deal (with a player option the final season) the Cavs have their Big 3 locked up. David Griffin talked to Cavs media in Las Vegas about the offseason and what's still left. Big thanks to Chris Haynes of the Plain Dealer for transcribing the media session. He has the whole thing, so go read it over at cleveland.com.

On J.R. Smith's situation:

With J.R., I wouldn't want to characterize the discussion or anything, but he's a player I'd like to have back. We just have to find a way to make it work."

Griffin didn't seem to think an agreement with Tristan Thompson would come anytime soon:

Do you want to get Tristan Thompson's deal done before you sign other players?

"I don't think so. We can focus on getting business done in whatever order it happens now. We were really fixated on getting the people done that we already have first and now I think it's just a matter of coming to an agreement with all of those people and finding the right deal for everyone. I don't think it's going to matter timing-wise."

Are you confident you'll reach a deal soon?

"I hope so. I don't know about relatively soon, but I hope so."

At this point it doesn't really matter. The Portland Trail Blazers put in max contract for the Oklahoma City center Enes Kanter. It's a pretty insane deal for Kanter, who was one of, if not the, worst defenders in the league last year and doesn't have a lot of range on his jump shot. You almost wish they had given the offer to Thompson, who I think most would say is a more helpful player than Kanter. The Cavs could have just matched.

Again though, Portland knows that. They might actually have a shot with Kanter.

Worth noting that Griffin added this as well:

"He's restricted. We really like him. I think we'll end up getting something done. I wouldn't characterize it as frustrating in any way."

It'll take some time, but it'll happen. The Cavs want the best deal for the team, and it's Thompson's job to maximize his income. It's his first big deal.