When the NBA‘s best player, LeBron James, re-joined the Cleveland Cavaliers, many thought he’d have a lot of power but the Cavaliers’ decision on Tristan Thompson may prove he doesn’t
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When LeBron James left the
to make his return to the Cleveland Cavaliers during the offseason, many believed he would wield a lot of power in the organization.
After signing James, the Cavaliers moved quickly to acquire star power forward Kevin Love from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a package involving each of the last the last two number one overall picks, swingman Andrew Wiggins and and forward Anthony Bennett. Most believed James had a lot to do with the move (and he surely did).
However, he may not have as much power as many perceive and you can look at the Cavaliers’ situation with Tristan Thompson to prove that.
“With LeBron, I think the fact Tristan Thompson didn’t get a massive extension is a positive indicator that James won’t be wielding quite as much undue influence on the Cavs as feared. (Thompson is a client of Klutch.),” explains Nate Duncan of Basketball Insiders. “That too though is something to monitor. There are no rules preventing James from starting an agency and being involved as a businessman though. It certainly is inspiring some fear throughout the league, as indicated by Woj’s piece on them last week.”
Klutch is also James’ agency and most assumed James would push for an extension of Thompson before the deadline Friday. Instead, the deadline passed and Thompson was not extended. That means he will be a restricted free agent in the offseason.
The Cavaliers are likely just keeping their options open and can match any offer sheet Thompson signs in the offseason but this could be an indicator that General Manager David Griffin truly is running the show.
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