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Yesterday it appeared that the Cleveland Cavaliers completed three deals for major pieces of what they hope will be a championship core: Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson, and Iman Shumpert. Thompson and Shumpert's deals were a bit eye opening. Instead of the Cavs letting the two test the restricted free agent market, it seemed like they were willing to perhaps pay a little more to get them done and get long-term security. Today, though, it seems that there has been a bump in the road of Thompson's talks:
After progress was made yesterday, Cavs & Tristan Thompson are currently still apart on contract talks, sources told ESPN.
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) July 2, 2015
This is a bit frustrating. Five years and $80 million plus for Thompson seems more than fair. I wrote about Thompson and Shumpert's deals today, but my basic thoughts are as follows:
I think Tristan will ultimately make whatever contract he signs look okay, but the Cavs could and should be on the lookout for alternatives
— David Zavac (@DavidZavac) June 23, 2015
@DavidZavac Agreed on both counts
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) June 23, 2015
I don't begrudge Thompson or his agent for trying to get the best deal possible. That's his agent's job, and Tristan wants as much security as he can get. Negotiations involve giving and taking. I don't know what the holdup is, but hopefully they figure it out soon.