Troy Taormina l USA TODAY Sports
It has been an ongoing soap opera between Tristan Thompson and the Cleveland Cavaliers all summer. When free agency first opened, a report came out that the two made a deal and Tristan would be in Cleveland long term. That was not the case. Since then, the Cavs have repeatedly offered him a 5 year, $80 million deal, and Tristan has declined that offer, instead looking for the max at 5 year, $94 million. Thompson’s agent, Rich Paul (who also represents LeBron) has said that if Tristan is not given the max, he will opt to sign the qualifying offer and take his talents elsewhere next summer. Now, whether or not Tristan is worth the max contract is all opinion. But, if the Cavs do decide to give him the max, here is a list of stars who will be making the same amount or even less money. These guys did sign their contracts a few years ago, when the salary cap was lower, but it should still put into perspective how much Thompson is asking for.
10.) John Wall
2014-15 Stats: 17.6 PTS, 4.6 REB, 10 AST
Contract: 5 years $84 million
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Brian Spurlock l USA TODAY Sports
9.) Paul George
Stats: 21.7 PTS, 6.8 REB, 3.5 AST
Contract: 5 years $91 million
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Kyle Terada l USA TODAY Sports
8.) Klay Thompson
2014-15 Stats: 21.7 PTS, 3.2 REB, 2.9 AST
Contract: 4 years $68 million
Click “Next” to see the ninth best player who signed a deal for less than Thompson’s demanded $94 million!
Michael Thomas l Associated Press
7.) Kawhi Leonard
2014-15 Stats: 16.5 PTS, 7.2 REB, 2.5 AST
Contract: 5 years $94 million
Click “Next” to see the ninth best player who signed a deal for less than Thompson’s demanded $94 million!
Rick Bowmer l Associated Press
6.) Blake Griffin
2014-15 Stats: 21.9 PTS, 7.6 REB, 5.3 AST
Contract: 5 years $94 million
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Craig Mitchelldyer l USA TODAY Sports
5.) Russell Westbrook
2014-15 Stats: 28.1 PTS, 7.3 REB, 8.6 AST
Contract: 5 years $78 million
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Mark Duncan l Associated Press
4.) Kyrie Irving
2014-15 Stats: 21.7 PTS, 3.2 REB, 5.2 AST
Contract: 5 years $94 million
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Ezra Shaw l Getty Images
3.) Kevin Durant
Stats: 25.4 PTS, 6.6 REB, 4.1 AST
Contract: 5 years $89 million
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Mark D. Smith l USA TODAY Sports
2.) James Harden
2014-15 Stats: 27.4 PTS, 5.7 REB, 7 AST
Contract: 5 years $78 million
Click “Next” to see the ninth best player who signed a deal for less than Thompson’s demanded $94 million!
Noah Graham l Getty Images
1.) Stephen Curry
2014-15 Stats: 23.8 PTS, 4.3 REB, 7.7 AST
Contract: 4 years $44 million