The Cleveland Cavaliers are looking at trying to fill up their roster with talent and make sure they have no holes on the roster that will make them vulnerable in their championship run.
More from Cleveland Cavaliers
- NBA insider: Cavaliers should consider trading Donovan Mitchell
- Predicting NBA’s Christmas Day Schedule: Lakers, Warriors highlight slate of postseason rematches
- NBA Rumors: 3 teams that should trade for Joel Embiid
- NBA rumors: How Donovan Mitchell could wind up on the trading block
- The new NBA flopping rules explained
But one player that the Cavaliers are looking at to improve this year is already on roster as Tristan Thompson may have been pushed out of the starting lineup but won’t be missing much action. All of that could mean his contract situation gets muddled up as Cleveland won’t want to pay him starting money even if he’s asking for it.
Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon-Journal, Thompson might be in a situation that Greg Monroe was in this past summer where no one wants to offer him a contract in restricted free agency because the fear is Cleveland will just match it.
"Monroe was a restricted free agent this year and free to negotiate with anyone, yet even in a summer when teams were spending like drunken sailors on shore leave, Monroe couldn’t find a deal, likely because of the assumption the Pistons would’ve just matched it anyway. Thompson could very well face a similar position next summer."
It’s not likely that Thompson finds himself in the exact same situation as Monroe, as it seemed the market just wasn’t right for a player of his talents. But Thompson will need to prove himself this year if he wants to avoid being in restricted free agency hell, as turning in a so-so year may be the thing that triggers a frustrating offseason that ends in nothing more than a qualifying offer.
More on FanSided.com
NBA Power Rankings: Breaking down the divisions
Golden State Warriors’ new arena design
Boston Celtics don’t intend on trading Rajon Rondo
Dirk Nowitzki’s shot to extend Dallas Mavericks career?
Phil Jackson takes another shot at Tyson Chandler