Would you offer Tristan Thompson the max?

[gpap]

Thompson has certainly proven himself in the playoffs as a legit rebounder who provides great defense around the rim and is also very athletic.

He's certainly given fits to every team the Cavs have played in the playoffs (including us.)

So here's my question:

What do the Cavs do during the offseason: They offered TT a 4 yr/52 million offer last offseason and he turned it down.

If Kevin Love does opt in, would the Cavs have enough money to retain Thompson? Or what if Love opts out and the Cavs decide to go after Lamarcus Aldridge instead?

Would they match a max offer from the Celts for Thompson? I think Thompson would be a very nice addition to our team and we could slot him at PF or even at center if need be.

Thoughts?

[Lucky17]

People will balk at the term "max."

But in Thompson's case, how much will that be? Starting at $16 mil?

[jdz101]

very little offensive game and prone to defensive lapses.

heck no.

that is all.

[gpap]

People will balk at the term "max."

But in Thompson's case, how much will that be? Starting at $16 mil?

I think the most another team can offer him is 4 yrs/71 mil (so essentially 18 mil a year.)
http://www.businessinsider.com/tristan-thompson-free-agency-2015-5

I'd offer it to him.

Here's another article saying he wants the max or "close" to it.
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25214321/report-rich-paul-let-it-be-known-tristan-thompson-wants-close-to-the-max

What's great about this is it puts the Cavs in a tough spot. JR Smith has a player option which I think he'll probably pick up at 6 mil and then Dellavodova and Shumpert are RFA's while the team has a team option on Mozgov.

If all these guys are retained along with the max deals to LBJ and Kyrie, not to mention if Love opts in, this could get complicated for the Cavs.

I say we make things more complicated for them. Thompson is also only 23 by the way.

[mahonedog88]

No way.  My personal philosophy is that if you can't make a jump shot, you don't deserve the max.  End of story.

That doesn't mean he doesn't deserve a heck of a payday though.  Maybe it's just because the Celtics are so bad at rebounding, and with the playoffs, he's been on tv consistently for the last few months...but Tristan Thompson may be the best offensive rebounder in the game.  He's a legit weapon out there with all of the extra possessions he gives his team.

Again, not worth the max, but certainly a pay raise.

[gpap]

No way.  My personal philosophy is that if you can't make a jump shot, you don't deserve the max.  End of story.

That doesn't mean he doesn't deserve a heck of a payday though.  Maybe it's just because the Celtics are so bad at rebounding, and with the playoffs, he's been on tv consistently for the last few months...but Tristan Thompson may be the best offensive rebounder in the game.  He's a legit weapon out there with all of the extra possessions he gives his team.

Again, not worth the max, but certainly a pay raise.

It's a good point. But then again, if that's the case, why are there so many people here clamoring for Biyombo and Nerlens Noel? Anyway, I do think Thompson is a special player and think Stevens could do wonders for his career.

[Yoki_IsTheName]

We should, and we should play him at Center.

I think he'll work well as a Center, control the boards, defend and protect the paint.

[Roy H.]

Limited offense, good but not great defense, not really a shot-blocker, mediocre defensive rebounding (109th in the league in DRB%), no shooting outside of the paint which kills offensive spacing.

If offensive rebounding is that important, we can sign Reggie Evans or somebody similar for the minimum, and save $15+ million.

[SHAQATTACK]

Nope

Rather have Sully

[Ogaju]

no

[gpap]

Nope

Rather have Sully

Seriously?!

You realize Thompson absolutely ate Sully up in the paint and on the boards in the playoffs, right?

[jambr380]

No way - great offensive rebounder and I suppose he has the potential to increase offensive production, but that's only because he is so bad now.

He couldn't be in a better situation than he is now with Cleveland. Lebron does best when he can be in control while other players play their roles well - Thompson certainly does that. On Boston, we would hate him from day 1 because of his contract.

[PhoSita]

If I had at least one transcendent star who could comfortably take 20+ shots a night while maintaining efficiency, sure, I'd want Tristan Thompson on my team at even an exorbitant price. 

His value is situation-dependent, though.  Put him on a team that lacks offensive punch where his inability to score or protect the rim could get exposed (like the Cavs before this season) and he'd be a massive overpay for that kind of money.

[get_banners]

No. God no. He's not a bad player, but a max contract for a slightly-better-than-a-role-player is nuts. Part of why he's looked so good is that the Cavs have played teams in the playoffs that tend to play small ball, so he + Mozgov dwarf everyone. Again, he's a solid player, but no way on earth is he a max player. I have problems with Jordan getting a max contract, and he's a far better rebounder and defensive player than Thompson.

[Celtics4ever]

Nope

Rather have Sully

Sully is just as bad if not a worse defender.  I do not want Thompson but at least this kid can stay healthy and in shape.  Something Sully has struggled with.