NBA Rumors: Latest on Tristan Thompson, Iman Shumpert and More
The NBA season may tip off on Tuesday, but two of the top title contenders and one of the league’s marquee franchises have contract issues to deal with off the court.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs both have a legitimate chance to take home the Larry O’Brien Trophy but are likely worried about Tristan Thompson and Kawhi Leonard, while the New York Knicks are dealing with Iman Shumpert.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at these latest rumors from around the Association.
Tristan Thompson
Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com passed along an update on the contract situation of Thompson in Cleveland:
"The Cavs and Thompson have stalled in negotiations, sources told ESPN.com, with a Friday deadline for extensions approaching. Thompson is represented by Klutch Sports and [LeBron] James' agent and business partner Rich Paul, who has worked with Thompson since he was drafted in 2011."
Like so many other things going on in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ front office, the LeBron James connection cannot be overlooked here.
James certainly played a role in the acquisition of players like Mike Miller, James Jones and even Kevin Love (and perhaps Ray Allen, eventually), and Windhorst noted that league executives and agents are watching to see how much sway James has with those front-office moves.
In terms of on-court production, Thompson posted nightly averages of 11.7 points and 9.2 rebounds last year. Given the fact that Thompson is 23 years old and Anderson Varejao is 32, Cleveland would likely prefer to secure its long-term future in the paint by signing Thompson, especially since James, Love and Varejao could all be unrestricted free agents next summer.
Thompson is still incredibly young and has the potential to be a force in the paint for years to come. Cleveland will likely find a way to keep him around.
Iman Shumpert
Ian Begley of ESPNNewYork.com provided some information on the Knicks and their discussions with Shumpert:
"The Knicks have five days to decide on Iman Shumpert's contract extension.
"
According to league sources with knowledge of the dynamic between the Knicks and Shumpert, there has been no conversation yet about a possible extension.
Unless the Knicks change course before Friday’s deadline, the lack of an extension makes it likely that this will be Shumpert’s last season with the Knicks.
If New York is unable to sign Shumpert to an extension, he will be a restricted free agent during the upcoming offseason. Given his status as a stifling defender, he will likely draw some high offers, which would cut into New York’s plans of reserving cap space to land another superstar alongside Carmelo Anthony if it re-signed the guard.
While the Knicks may have their eyes on future stars, Shumpert’s impressive defense should not be overlooked in this situation.
There are seemingly fewer and fewer lockdown defenders across the league every season, and Shumpert is only 24 years old. He has the potential to be one of the best perimeter defenders in the entire NBA for the next eight-to-10 years.
Head coach Derek Fisher discussed Shumpert’s growth, via Begley:
"I think Iman is still evolving. And I don’t think there is a box to put him in at this point. I think he’s still growing as a player, as a young man. And I think as that evolution continues, we’ll actually learn as we go what is truly possible for him. The things I do know is he’s going to work as hard as he can to get wherever his ceiling is and those are the types of guys you want to have around.
"
It remains to be seen how much Shumpert’s potential, especially on the defensive side of the ball, weighs in on contract negotiations.
Kawhi Leonard
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports provided an update on Leonard and the Spurs:
“As Kawhi Leonard holds firm on his desire for a maximum contract, extension talks with the San Antonio Spurs have failed to gather traction despite a looming Friday deadline, league sources told Yahoo Sports.”
Leonard is 23 years old, a rising star in the league and the defending NBA Finals MVP. He will undoubtedly command premier money in any market, even if the Spurs do match any offer sheets and keep him around.
He posted nightly averages of 12.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, two assists and 1.7 steals a game last year, but his value, like so many other San Antonio players, goes beyond the box score. He is an incredible defender and can be counted on to contain the opposing team’s best player on a nightly basis.
Leonard was never more impressive than in last season’s playoffs and Finals when he drew Kevin Durant and James in consecutive series.
Leonard represents the future superstar of the Spurs roster given the aging core of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. San Antonio needs to make sure he is wearing a Spurs uniform as he becomes one of the best players in the league over the next few years.
Follow me on Twitter:
