Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James have spoken and said the team's number one priority as of now is re-signing center Tristan Thompson who have played efficiently for their campaign last season.
Thompson is looking for a long-term deal, reportedly a five-year contract worth $94 million; but the Cavaliers are offering less.
Cleveland and the side of Thompson have had talks last month regarding a long-term pact but negotiations stalled; and last week, agent Rich Paul seemed to be aware of what his client wants.
Paul, who represents Thomas and also James, said the 24-year-old center will play his last year with the Cavs in the 2015–16 season if he is forced to sign a qualifying offer for one year which will earn him $6.8 million.
James, who was at Cedar Point speaking about his partnership with the University of Akron about the scholarship they will be giving to many children who are members of his foundation, discussed the Cavaliers' situation with Thompson.
"Our No. 1 objective right now is to sign Tristan. He's a huge part of our team. Short term and long term he makes our team more dangerous," James said according to ESPN.
"Things need to be worked out from his side and the Cavs, but we need him back. I think our front office has done a great job this summer. The next step is to get Tristan done," he added.
The Cavaliers already re-signed James, forward Kevin Love, guard Iman Shumpert, and forward James Jones to new deals this offseason.
Cleveland also added veterans point guard Mo Williams and forward Richard Jefferson.
Thompson played in all 82 regular season games for the Cavaliers last season and averaged 8.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game.
In the playoffs, he was averaging 9.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 36.4 minutes of action per outing.
He was given a huge boost in minutes during the playoffs since Love was sidelined with a shoulder injury from the first round of the playoffs.
If Thompson still ends up with the Cavs, he will likely play less minutes since Love is expected to return from injury; but he will still be an efficient backup.
