Report: Cavaliers, Thompson optimistic about reaching deal before deadline

Just days ago, extension talks between Tristan Thompson and the Cleveland Cavaliers had reportedly stalled. Now it sounds as though things are looking up.

Citing multiple sources with knowledge of the talks, the Akron Beacon Journal's Jason Lloyd reports that there is a sense of optimism the Cavaliers and Tristan Thompson will come to an agreement before the Oct. 31 deadline.

If an agreement cannot be reached by Friday's midnight deadline, Thompson will become a restricted free agent come July.

Thompson has averaged 10.8 points and 8.6 rebounds over three seasons with the Cavaliers since being selected fourth overall by the team in 2011.

He's an excellent rebounder and a durable, young big man, but he still has room to grow on the defensive end, isn't a great rim protector and his offensive game is a work in progress, to say the least.

Thompson is represented by LeBron James's agent and business partner Rich Paul, however, and that could give him leverage in talks with a Cavs team that surely feels indebted to James.