The Toronto Raptors could use a young power forward with the ability to score down low. You know, one like Tristan Thompson of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who is currently having a difficult time getting his deal done with LeBron James‘ team.
It’s not hard to see why the Cavs are a little concerned about paying Tristan Thompson what he seeks considering they’re already way over the NBA luxury tax limit and a player like Thompson, while nice, isn’t going to be a make or break talent.
Granted, he is good friends with James, so losing him would be a serious blow in that regard, but the Toronto Raptors appear to be willing to swoop in and steal Tristan Thompson if he can’t sign a long term deal with the Cavs.
Per Bleacher Report:
A league source tells me that his agent, Rich Paul, has already made it clear to the Cleveland Cavaliers that Thompson will not sign a long-term deal unless it is a max deal. And otherwise, he is prepared to sign a one-year qualifying offer with the additional knowledge, according to the source, that Paul believes that he can get a max deal with the Raptors next summer.
In one sense, it’s hard to believe the Cavs will not get a deal done with Thompson given his talent and importance to keeping LeBron happy. Still, if the two sides continue to struggle, you have to assume the Toronto Raptors will be atop the list for his services.
