Cavaliers-Thompson Drama Over: Big Man Signs 5-Year, $82M Deal In Cleveland

The Cleveland Cavaliers can now fully focus on the upcoming campaign in the 2015-2016 NBA regular season after power forward Tristan Thompson and the Cavaliers management agreed Wednesday to a five-year contract extension worth $82 million.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported the end of the holdout for Thompson, who had asked for a maximum contract but will now settle for a $16.4 million per year contract that will last until the 2019-2020 season. Thompson was a restricted free agent in this off-season and had the option to sign with any other NBA team though the Cavaliers had the right to match any offer sheet.

While figures are not confirmed, both Thompson and the Cavaliers were reportedly far apart on the contract value during the negotiations early in the off-season. Thompson’s agent is Rich Paul, who is also the agent of Cavaliers superstar LeBron James.

Earlier in the summer, James posted a photo of him and Thompson on Instagram with a caption that read “Get it done.” Clearly, the Cavaliers franchise player sent a message to his front office, who has apparently received the message loud and clear.

Thompson, who has missed both the training camp sessions and preseason games for the Cavaliers, is now expected to rejoin the Cavaliers.

Thompson played well in his first postseason experience in place of Kevin Love, who was injured in the early part of the 2015 playoffs. Thompson averaged 9.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocked shots per game in 20 postseason games.