Report: LeBron hasn't yet gotten involved in Tristan Thompson contract talks
When LeBron James came home to Cleveland after four seasons in Miami, part of the reason was a sense that he would wield much more power in the Cavaliers organization.
To this point, he has yet to use it.
As the contract talks between the Cavaliers and Tristan Thompson remain at a standstill, all LeBron would need to do would be to weigh in one way or another and the matter would likely come to a quick resolution.
But a report from Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com says that hasn't happened; at least not yet.
A source close to James said Thompson's contract is a "non-discussion right now" for James as it relates to his own future, and a team source said the Cavs believe "LeBron's goals don't change relative to Tristan Thompson or anyone. Be as good as we can be for as long as we can be."
In other words, the nuclear option, or James demanding the Cavs pay Thompson what he wants or else, doesn't appear to be on the table.
But sources said James has not applied pressure internally for the Cavs to acquiesce to Thompson's salary demands. And, back in August, James told reporters that "things need to be worked out from his side and the Cavs." Basketball observers at the time saw James' statements as an opportunity passed for him to push Cleveland toward paying Thompson's asking price.
LeBron has the best of both worlds. He can use the threat of leaving in free agency to force the organization's hand in personnel matters, or he can sit on the sidelines while decisions are made, and take no blame for the repercussions.
(h/t: Cleveland.com)
