Tristan Thompson not expected to attend Cavaliers media day Monday
Restricted free-agent forward Tristan Thompson is not expected to attend the Cavaliers media day on Monday, reports ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
Amid a contract dispute that has extended throughout the off-season, Thompson and the team did not reach an agreement on his contract over the weekend, reports Windhorst.
The Cavaliers extended a $6.9 million qualifying offer to Thompson, who rejected it in hopes of signing a max contract of $94 million over five years. Cleveland was reportedly willing to offer $80 million for five years. A later conflicting report said Thompson could be open to a three-year, $53 million deal.
Windhorst reported that neither side sees his absence from media day as a holdout because Thompson still has time to sign the qualifying offer. Cleveland’s first practice will be held Tuesday, but the deadline for Thompson to sign is Thursday. If Thompson does not sign by the deadline, the offer will expire and he will remain a free agent.
• MAHONEY: What are Tristan Thompson's services worth to the Cavaliers?
- Erin Flynn