Tristan Thompson can officially rejoin the Cleveland Cavaliers after finally agreeing to a five-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
According to multiple reports, Thompson agreed to an $82 million deal spread over five years. The contract will exclude a player and team option, all of which is guaranteed.
With the contract talks finally settled, Thompson's coming completes the Cavs' initial goal of bringing up most of the team from last season as they try to snag the first official National Basketball Association (NBA) title for Cleveland.
Thompson comes in at the right time when the Cavs are trying to hold up with most of its players coming off sick bay.
Kevin Love already made his return in the preseason, but Lebron James could be out for a while due to back problems. Kyrie Irving, who underwent knee cap surgery, is not expected until 2016 to make his return.
Thompson drew recognition for stepping up last season in the absence of Love and Anderson Varejao and now he can show that all again. The Canadian basketball player drew some criticism for demanding a max contract and now he gets the chance to prove that he is worth every penny.
The new contract is $2 million more than the original $80 million five-year deal which Thompson declined. Thompson and agent Rich Paul countered with a $94 million contract, but the Cavs found it too much.
The offer would be later on reduced to $53 million for three years which, unfortunately, the Cavs were still unwilling to give. Until today, it looked like Thompson was on the verge of signing a $6.8 million qualifying offer together with a threat that the 24-year-old forward would be suiting up for the very last time as a Cavs.
The Cavs open shop on Oct. 28 when they face off with the Chicago Bulls.
