If Cleveland Cavs big man Tristian Thompson ends up playing with the team on a one-year, $6.9 million qualifying offer during the 2015-16 season, both Thompson and his agent are reportedly considering the Toronto Raptors as a free-agent destination next winter.
“I always thought he was going to end up (in Toronto) this year,” one Eastern Conference general manager told SheridanHoops on the condition of anonymity. “There’s going to be so much money next year so I think he will get it.”
Thompson was born in Toronto and still has several ties to the city and Eastern Canada in general. Along with his familiarity with the city, another factor that could push the 24-year-old north is the factor that his agent, Rand Paul, has already publicly stated that 2015-16 will be Thompson's last season with the Cavs if he is forced to play on a qualifying offer.
That wouldn't surprise another Eastern Conference executive cited by SheridanHoops
“[Thompson] is a Toronto kid and I’m sure he has a strong following at home,” the executive said.
One factor in the Cavs' corner is that LeBron James has called a long-term extension the team's "no. 1 objective right now." It may be cliche at this point, but LeBron is likely to get almost everything he wants as Cleveland angles to secure him on a long-term deal next year.
Whether that'll include Thompson still remains to be seen.
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