Tristan Thompson

[aldamon]

I think Lowe, in that podcast, just echoed what most sensible people think.

I think the missing angle though, is Rich Paul's desire to build and grow a long lasting, successful agency business.

I don't see how that was a missed angle, when they discussed Rich Paul's aspirations in the podcast.

 

[Redzone]

I think Lowe, in that podcast, just echoed what most sensible people think.

I think the missing angle though, is Rich Paul's desire to build and grow a long lasting, successful agency business.

And I believe one of the best ways to do that is to get killer contract deals: the worst way to do that is to ruin a player by holding him out, negatively affecting his marketing and fan affection, putting extra pressure on him and, most of all, possibly being replaced by someone as good or better already on the team or who the Cavs can acquire later.

I believe TT's camp is betting on Cavs injuries. Notice that Love is returning soon? A strong start by Love and others, along with early winning, will curtail what little leverage TT's camp has, I believe.

I still think as a result of the holdout there will be a chorus of boos at the Q whenever Tristan misses a free throw, etc., putting even more pressure on him. Or perhaps he will return out of shape and suffer an injury.

I don't believe holdouts help players overall, other than bottom lines, if at all. I still think what effect holding out had on Brady Quinn, who lost his job. It may have stunted his growth, opportunities, confidence, etc. He's now out of football.

It makes it especially hard when, as I believe, the fans tend to be behind the Cavs' position, against TT's.

 

[HurricaneKid]

Tris got his support because Cle identifies with his blue collar, bring your lunchpail, fight and claw spirit. Once you turn your back on 80M and all reason, that blue collar support turns like spoiled milk.

I don't think his group understands just how bad this can get for Tris, both financially and professionally. If they maintain this position the Cavs will be forced to hold theirs. And this stalemate will go on. And both sides will be worse off.

I do wonder how it ends. There is substantial reason to believe that Tris HAS to sign this year. Or he just goes through the same thing next offseason. I'd be interested to see if the Cavs allow him to come back at all, even on a min deal, if he pushes this into early March, especially if the Cavs are rolling. Because they don't have to. And at that point it will have really boiled over.

 

[citizentino]

Lowe was great on his pod with Windy.

Windy: "The first week of the Cavs' schedule is difficult. What happens if they start 0-3...?"

Lowe: "NOTHING. NOTHING HAPPENS. They could start 2-5 ... they could start *2-10* in the East and they'd be FINE."

Windy tried to make a half-baked case for Dan Gilbert and the fans being impatient if the team gets off to a bad start, but I think (hope?) last year taught us how much the early part of the regular season matters in the big picture.

 

[The Human Q-Tip]

I don't think his group understands just how bad this can get for Tris, both financially and professionally.

You'd think that Rich Paul, or all people, would understand how this fanbase can turn on somebody.

If they maintain this position the Cavs will be forced to hold theirs. And this stalemate will go on. And both sides will be worse off. I do wonder how it ends.

I think it ends with TT signing a long-term deal. The question is whether Gilbert throws in a bit extra to help Paul save face, or not. I hope he doesn't.

What's going to be bad is if TT returns and doesn't play well initially. Fans will blame it on his holdout and be rough on the guy, and I'm not sure how he'd react to that..

Oh well - it's a problem of his own creation.

 

[shoes22]

You'd think that Rich Paul, or all people, would understand how this fanbase can turn on somebody.

Personally, I don’t think RP really even cares about that. As long as he can get his client a contract at a dollar amount he’s happy with, that’s all that really matters at the end of the day.

 

[Paul]

To me what showed the complexity of the TT situation was that Lowe basically still said we should pay Tristan even though his stats don't point to him being worth the money he's demanding, because having Tristan gives us that small increased probability of winning the championship.

He rejected the notion that some (including me) have put out there that we could basically absorb just about all of Tristan's minutes with our existing players. I guess he still just feels that Tristan has that certain something that makes him worth it to the Cavs. "The margin of error between Cleveland winning the title or not might be Tristan Thompson". He felt that having Tristan might equate to a "one or two percent championship odds increase". Basically he feels that you need everyone. He mentioned how Golden State needed David Lee, which is probably not the best example since Golden State got rid of him, presumably to cut costs, and everyone still considers them a title contender.

It's real easy to go in circles on this because there's so many factors to consider. I've more or less resigned myself to the notion that Tristan is going to get a huge payday from us.

 

[InBoobieWeTrust]

To me what showed the complexity of the TT situation was that Lowe basically still said we should pay Tristan even though his stats don't point to him being worth the money he's demanding, because having Tristan gives us that small increased probability of winning the championship.

He rejected the notion that some (including me) have put out there that we could basically absorb just about all of Tristan's minutes with our existing players. I guess he still just feels that Tristan has that certain something that makes him worth it to the Cavs. "The margin of error between Cleveland winning the title or not might be Tristan Thompson". He felt that having Tristan might equate to a "one or two percent championship odds increase". Basically he feels that you need everyone. He mentioned how Golden State needed David Lee, which is probably not the best example since Golden State got rid of him, presumably to cut costs, and everyone still considers them a title contender.

It's real easy to go in circles on this because there's so many factors to consider. I've more or less resigned myself to the notion that Tristan is going to get a huge payday from us.

Tristan is our best asset in covering the most run play in the entire NBA: The Pick&Roll. That skill-set alone along with his ability to switch on guards regularly without getting murdered are huge advantages for playoff series where match-ups and adjustments are key. He also single-handedly creates multiple extra possessions every game, which are some of the most valuable attributes someone can provide for you. Furthermore, his positional versatility defensively is much needed. He can play 5 with LeBron at the 4. He can play 5 with Love at the 4. He can play 4 with both Mozgov and Varejao at the 5. Those things are too valuable to the team.

Now, I don;t want to pay him the max. And I do think 5/80 is even an overpay, but it's an overpay that I'd be okay with considering how truly important he is to our championship aspirations.

 

[JSS2306]

Now, I don;t want to pay him the max. And I do think 5/80 is even an overpay, but it's an overpay that I'd be okay with considering how truly important he is to our championship aspirations.

Windy said on Lowe's podcast these exact sentiments but the truth of the matter is he's a double edge sword on defense. He can't block shots and he is hit or miss defensively against the leagues better powerfoward. Sometimes it seems like he gives them a hard time and at others it's very obvious they are lightyears ahead of where he needs to be as a player.

The worst part about this is that this might prolong itself into December or January. Windy said on the podcast that Tristans camp feels he is needed for a championship run which sounds more like a blackmail than trying to contribute to a historic championship. They are trying to bend the Cavs over while at the same time turning down a lucrative deal that would put Tristan Thompson on a team where his brand and image as a player will be shaped for the rest of his career. He's laying on a gold mine in Cleveland. Take the 80 million. It's that simple.

I don't like it. It's greedy and a huge distraction not just for the players but for the fans as well. We're suppose to enjoy this run but our guy is holding out on us.

 

[InBoobieWeTrust]

Windy said on Lowe's podcast these exact sentiments but the truth of the matter is he's a double edge sword on defense. He can't block shots and he is hit or miss defensively against the leagues better powerfoward. Sometimes it seems like he gives them a hard time and at others it's very obvious they are lightyears ahead of where he needs to be as a player.

I really don't see him as a double-edged sword defensively. He had a lot of really good games where he really bothered a lot of good post-up guys in man-on-man coverage. He absolutely denied Millsap anything the entire series. He's really good in the pick and roll, really good at switching, and his shotblocking seems to be at least solid when he's paired with Mozgov and given decent minutes(his block rate increased decently in the playoffs IIRC). He's gotten bigger and stronger every season. He looks more like the explosive guy we heard about when we drafted him versus what he showed as a rookie and sophmore. His body really matured well and he is very durable. His only defensive weakness was basically continuing to play that "on a string" defense throughout the entire 24 second and make multiple correct rotations, but he isn't bad and he has improved every year which is expected in young players. We became a defensive force in the playoffs and Tristan was a very integral part of that after we lost Love.

I don't like it. It's greedy and a huge distraction not just for the players but for the fans as well. We're suppose to enjoy this run but our guy is holding out on us.

Agreed. He needs to be in uniform for the opener or I and I suspect many fans will be extremely annoyed with the situation, moreso than we already are. We don't have any time for holdouts or unnecessary missed games from a guy who is supposed to be a reliable, durable, minutes horse we can ride during the regular season to be able to rest our aces.

5 years, 85 million. Give Rich Paul a "face saving" 5 million dollar bump while also recognizing that we are not maxing Tristan out. Get it done.

 

[JMoneyYourHoney]

5 years, 85 million. Give Rich Paul a "face saving" 5 million dollar bump while also recognizing that we are not maxing Tristan out. Get it done.

No, No, NO. Neither Paul nor Thompson deserve a "face saving" $5 million bump. That's just absurd. The offer should already be less than the reported $80 for hardballing us so long and the Cavs should be looking for other suitors. Unlike yourself who apparently can wait until opening game until you're "really annoyed", many of us are apoplectic at this point.

$85 million for Tristan Thompson is a sin.

 

[InBoobieWeTrust]

No, No, NO. Neither Paul nor Thompson deserve a "face saving" $5 million bump. That's just absurd. The offer should already be less than the reported $80 for hardballing us so long and the Cavs should be looking for other suitors. Unlike yourself who apparently can wait until opening game until you're "really annoyed", many of us are apoplectic at this point.

$85 million for Tristan Thompson is a sin.

When the cap is 109 million dollars in 18 months, 80-85 million is basically going to be market value or slightly above for a guy like Tristan.

True championship windows are things that you have to take advantage of when you have the opportunity. We have a very specific timeframe where we are going to be serious, legitimate title contenders. Tristan Thompson gives us a better chance to win an NBA title and last year i the post-season he proved that he is an extremely valuable player in many facets of the game that you need to win in the playoffs.

I don't believe there is another player readily available that could provide what Tristan provides for this team in a deep playoff run scenario.

Tristan SHOULD accept the 5/80, he should have accepted it in July. But if we can get this done with a little compromise and move the focus back to basketball, it's worth biting the bullet for the chance at the LOB trophy.

 

[teamballer]

When the cap is 109 million dollars in 18 months, 80-85 million is basically going to be market value or slightly above for a guy like Tristan.

True championship windows are things that you have to take advantage of when you have the opportunity. We have a very specific timeframe where we are going to be serious, legitimate title contenders. Tristan Thompson gives us a better chance to win an NBA title and last year i the post-season he proved that he is an extremely valuable player in many facets of the game that you need to win in the playoffs.

I don't believe there is another player readily available that could provide what Tristan provides for this team in a deep playoff run scenario.

Tristan SHOULD accept the 5/80, he should have accepted it in July. But if we can get this done with a little compromise and move the focus back to basketball, it's worth biting the bullet for the chance at the LOB trophy.

The question is, why should the Cavs volunteer to pay additional tens of millions in tax just so Rich Paul can save face. Tristan's options are 1. Get Philly or Portland to offer you the max (not happening, and I doubt he would want to play for either of them); 2. Sit out the entire season, watch his market value drop, and become a RFA again next season; or 3. Sign whatever contract the Cavs offer him.

I really doubt any of the first two options are real options for Tristan. He can hold out and play games, but eventually he will have to sign whatever contract the Cavs offer him because any other option is far worse for him. If it weren't for the LBJ connection, the Cavs could've offered him a 5/45 contract at this point, which is not much less than he would be able to get on the open market, and he would have to take it because sitting out a season would drop his value even further. Thanks to LeBron, the Cavs will likely keep whatever they previously offered him on the table. He should thank his lucky stars and take that offer. No need for Gilbert to give him a reward for trying to blackmail the franchise.

 

[Nphan]

The question is, why should the Cavs volunteer to pay additional tens of millions in tax just so Rich Paul can save face. Tristan's options are 1. Get Philly or Portland to offer you the max (not happening, and I doubt he would want to play for either of them); 2. Sit out the entire season, watch his market value drop, and become a RFA again next season; or 3. Sign whatever contract the Cavs offer him.

I really doubt any of the first two options are real options for Tristan. He can hold out and play games, but eventually he will have to sign whatever contract the Cavs offer him because any other option is far worse for him. If it weren't for the LBJ connection, the Cavs could've offered him a 5/45 contract at this point, which is not much less than he would be able to get on the open market, and he would have to take it because sitting out a season would drop his value even further. Thanks to LeBron, the Cavs will likely keep whatever they previously offered him on the table. He should thank his lucky stars and take that offer. No need for Gilbert to give him a reward for trying to blackmail the franchise.

you damn right..fuk Tristan..If i was 6'7 i would dunk on him like 75% of the NBA already since he has been in the league.

 

[InBoobieWeTrust]

The question is, why should the Cavs volunteer to pay additional tens of millions in tax just so Rich Paul can save face. Tristan's options are 1. Get Philly or Portland to offer you the max (not happening, and I doubt he would want to play for either of them); 2. Sit out the entire season, watch his market value drop, and become a RFA again next season; or 3. Sign whatever contract the Cavs offer him.

They shouldn't have to, and I agree with all your points, but if all it took was the olive branch 3-5 million dollars over 5 years to end this whole saga, I think it would be worth it long-term to the Cavs in terms of their future relationship and negotiations with Rich Paul and Termini, and in terms of their current business relationship with Thompson, and it would hopefully expedite getting him into camp/practice/onto the court. There's also still a chance that TT gets 5/80 and continues to improve on both ends like he has every year and eventually starts outplaying that salary when factoring in the huge cap boom.

I'm just saying, that little extra push really could lead to a lot of positive things and would be worth it in the end.

really doubt any of the first two options are real options for Tristan. He can hold out and play games, but eventually he will have to sign whatever contract the Cavs offer him because any other option is far worse for him. If it weren't for the LBJ connection, the Cavs could've offered him a 5/45 contract at this point, which is not much less than he would be able to get on the open market, and he would have to take it because sitting out a season would drop his value even further. Thanks to LeBron, the Cavs will likely keep whatever they previously offered him on the table. He should thank his lucky stars and take that offer. No need for Gilbert to give him a reward for trying to blackmail the franchise.

Again, I agree, but at the end of the day, we need to find a way to end this hold-out without him sitting out games. We are knocking on the door of a title. Logically, you are correct on all counts. But at the end of the day we're all humans, as is our owner, front office, Tristan and his representatives. It's not my money to spend and Gilbert has already done more than any other owner would be willing to do...

but we need to find a way to get this done, and if Dan decides that he's willing to spend a little extra money to extend a slight olive branch to make this all go away, I can't fault him for it, and I would support him by going out and enjoying a weekend at the Horseshoe.