Tristan Thompson (Photo : Twitter)
Tristan Thompson is still a free agent. Perhaps no one envisioned this to happen in August since LeBron James and his agent are working on it.
However, the Cavaliers refused to budge on Thompson's contract demands which is north of an $ 80 million, 4 year contract. Thompson's agent Rich Paul-who also represents LeBron James, believes that his ward is worthy of that. He has already threatened that Thompson would leave in free agency next year if they were forced to take the qualifying offer.
Enter the Markief Morris situation. Morris has demanded a trade away from the Phoenix Suns. A disgruntled player with an assault charge is not enticing for any team but a starting forward at $ 8 million is. For some, he might even be an upgrade over Thompson.
King James Gospel has explored the idea that the Cavs and the Suns should make a swap, but it has to be a sign and trade situation.
The Suns are at a disadvantage because they seem to have no choice but to trade him. KJG points out that "unlike Smith, Morris has an attractive contract situation that a team might want to bite on since he's club controlled for the next four seasons. That team could be the Cleveland Cavaliers."
The deal would work under certain conditions, as explained: "Cleveland does not want to give Thompson a $80 million max contract, but if the Suns were willing to give that to him, then acquiring Morris to replace him on the roster at more than half the price is a fantastic steal of a deal."
It would be a bargain for the Cavs as Morris' contract is half the amount of Tristan. For the Suns, they may have to gamble (and overpay) Thompson but they need to fill out the starting power forward spot.
