NBA Free Agents: Latest News & Rumors Surrounding Tristan Thompson, Glen Davis & Carlos Boozer
It's been a wild and crazy NBA offseason. LaMarcus Aldridge is now with the San Antonio Spurs and Rajon Rondo is even with the Sacramento Kings. All of the elite players have been signed, but those x-factor players are still out there in free agency.
The biggest name left without a long term deal is Tristan Thompson. Thompson has a $6.7 million qualifying offer this year, but he wants the big money. Really big money. According to NBA reports, the Cavaliers offered a five-year $80 million contract. However, the two sides remain at odds. That same report said that Thompson and his team are seeking a five-year $94 million contract. The Cavaliers and Thompson are $14 million apart on a new deal.
There are three possible scenarios for Thompson this season with the Cavaliers. He can sign the qualifying offer and then agree on a new deal after the season. Two, he and the Cavaliers can reach an agreement before the season begins, for whatever amount. Three, Thompson signs the qualifying amount for this season, and then test the free agent market after this year.
The Cavaliers are in a bit of a tricky situation. Thompson is a phenomenal rebounder, especially on the offensive end. LeBron James is a big fan of Thompson, and Thompson is still just 24 years old. Thompson was one of the biggest reasons why the Cavaliers made it to the NBA finals last season.
However, on the other side, the Cavaliers can't give in just yet. Thompson may be a great rebounder, but he's not a skilled scorer. Thompson doesn't consistently demand double teams in the post, and he's not a powerful force who can take over a game offensively. Thompson only averaged 8.5 points per game last season. If the Cavaliers are going to invest $94 million in guaranteed money, it has to be in a player who can score the basketball more.
The Cavaliers already rewarded Kevin Love with a $110 million contract this offseason. They have to make sure they don't go beyond the salary cap.
A player who is currently unsigned is power forward Glen Davis. Davis has spent his last two seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, but he recently had to undergo ankle surgery. Davis is still just 29 years old, and he is a great bench player to have. Davis played well with the Clippers last season, and he proved to be a crucial part of the Boston Celtics championship squad years ago. Davis could very well return to the Clippers, but some even believe the Los Angeles Lakers could sign the free agent power forward.
Davis has said that he is open to playing overseas this season.
Speaking of free agent power forwards, Carlos Boozer is still unsigned as well. Boozer spent last year with the Lakers after four consecutive years with the Chicago Bulls. Boozer, now 33, is still a quality rebounder, but his defense is getting worse. Boozer won't get the big money he made in the past, but a short one-year deal could very well happen with a team that needs rebounding. Many believe the Detroit Pistons could make a run for Boozer considering they lost Greg Monroe to the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason in free agency.
Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1