A member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, center Tristan Thompson did not participate in franchise star LeBron James' training camp because of his contract dispute with the team.
In his time with the Miami Heat, James started a preseason camp ahead of the team's original training camp to work out with his teammates to build better camaraderie.
Now that he is back with the Cavaliers, James did the same, gathering his teammates such as Kevin Love, J.R. Smith, Kyrie Irving, Iman Shumpert, and even newly acquired Mo Williams and Richard Jefferson.
Those players were present in Miami participating in James' camp with the two-time champion even posting a photo with them on his Instagram account last Sunday, but Thompson was not there.
Thompson is currently a restricted free agent looking for a long-term deal with the Cavaliers; but so far, his desire is yet to be fulfilled by the franchise despite James already saying that re-signing him is their number one priority.
The negotiations for Thompson's contract are currently tabled and what his agent said last month did not help either.
The 24-year-old's agent, Rich Paul, said last August that if his client is forced to sign a one-year qualifying offer, the 2015–16 season will be the last time the big man will be playing for the Cavs.
Thompson had a great year last season and was one of the main guys that helped the Cavaliers reach the NBA Finals despite losing prominent players to injuries.
Despite his numbers not showing it, Thompson played a crucial role for Cleveland especially in the playoffs.
In the Cavaliers' postseason run, Thompson averaged 9.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per contest in 20 playoff games that included 15 starts.
So far, there is no update regarding his contract; but perhaps before the new season begins, both sides will settle their differences and reach an agreement.
The Cavaliers will be opening their season with back-to-back road games against the Chicago Bulls on Oct. 27 and the Memphis Grizzlies on Oct. 28.
