Report: Cavs offering 'significantly' less than Thompson's max-offer demands

It's no great secret that the Cleveland Cavaliers and power forward Tristan Thompson have hit an impasse in their contract negotiation talks this summer.

Now we know why. As reported by ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Thompson is seeking a maximum-level deal worth $94 million, whereas the Cavaliers are offering "significantly" less.

Given the market, it makes sense for the Cavaliers to wait. Only the Portland Trail Blazers - who are already overstocked with frontcourt players - have the requisite cap space to meet Thompson's demands. For all intents and purposes, Cleveland is the only buyer on the market.

And Cleveland certainly wants to buy. It tried to sign Thompson to an extension last summer and has made overtures this year as well. LeBron James went as far as saying "of course" Thompson will re-sign in a Twitter Q-and-A. Given James' importance in Cleveland and his ties to Rich Paul - Thompson's agent - his word is bond.

General manager David Griffin has also professed his desire to reach a deal with Thompson.

"He's restricted, we really like him," Griffin said of Thompson in July. "I think we'll wind up getting something done."

The only issue is the money. Cleveland is already $4 million over the luxury-tax line after a summer of extravagant spending. Tacking on a maximum contract for Thompson could cost $35 million in luxury tax commitments alone, estimates Windhorst.

But Thompson does have one bargaining chip: accepting his $7-million qualifying offer. That would allow him to enter unrestricted free agency next summer when the cap balloons to $90 million. His maximum salary, then, will be much higher than it is now, and he'll have no shortage of suitors.

As one anonymous general manager told Windhorst:

The 2016 free-agent class isn't very deep and it's generally older. It's rare to see an unrestricted free agent that's 25 or younger, especially a big. If (Thompson) were to be an unrestricted free agent next summer and he's healthy, he probably would be one of the top free agents available.

Of course, that option would involve Thompson assuming a lot of risk. He can take less guaranteed money now, or risk injury and a decline in performance in hopes of a bigger payday next summer.

Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are risking losing control over Thompson and a potentially higher salary commitment as they hold out for a more team-friendly deal.

Ultimately, there's no great rush. The two sides have no reason to break off their negotiations, allowing for agents and executives to continue haggling until a decision has to be reached before the start of the season.

Thompson averaged 8.5 points and eight rebounds in 26.8 minutes per game last season. He mostly came off the bench behind starter Kevin Love, but emerged as a key contributor for Cleveland during the playoffs in Love's absence.