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Cavaliers hopeful of deal with Tristan Thompson

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

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The Cleveland Cavaliers have some outstanding free agents left unsigned, specifically Tristan Thompson.

On Friday, LeBron James reiterated his desire to see the restricted free agent locked up soon. Cavaliers general manager David Griffin echoed that sentiment the following day - although he wasn't sure how quickly it might happen.

"I don't know about relatively soon, but I hope so," Griffin told reporters of a deal with the Canadian. "He's restricted, we really like him. I think we'll wind up getting something done."

It's been well-documented that Thompson turned down an extension from the Cavs last October - reported at $52 million for four years. Almost two weeks ago, it was reported the team was on the verge of a five-year, $80-million deal with the offensive rebounding specialist. That never happened.

It was also reported early in free agency that James would wait for the Cavs to take care of his friend Thompson before inking a new deal. That proved incorrect too. Both players share the same Cleveland-based agent, Rich Paul.

Thompson holding out for more than $80 million from the Cavaliers at this point would be a head-scratcher given his restricted status. The Portland Trail Blazers are now the only team lefts in the NBA with sufficient cap space to make Thompson an offer in that neighborhood, and the Cavs retain the right to match it.

Thompson's other option is to accept a one-year qualifying offer of around $7 million, and then bet on himself next summer in unrestricted free agency.

James' happiness is still of paramount importance to the team, however, and Paul knows it. Thompson was a vital part of the Cavaliers' run to the NBA Finals in Kevin Love's absence. The 24-year-old averaged 9.6 points and 10.8 rebounds in 20 postseason games.

Griffin added that he'd like to bring back J.R. Smith and Matthew Dellavedova as well, but admits it's a "totally different process" with Dellavedova's restricted status.

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