Tristan Thompson will leave Cavs if he has to play under qualifying offer, agent says

The Cavaliers' offseason mission of keeping together the Eastern Conference champs is almost complete, but there’s still one big, unresolved piece of the puzzle.

The Cavs are negotiating with big man Tristan Thompson, but the two sides appear to have a ways to go on the figures.

Thompson’s agent, Rich Paul, has emphasized that offering his client the qualifying offer of $6.8 million all but guarantees he won't re-sign with the Cavs after the 2015-16 season.

"All I know is TT on Qualifying Offer will be his last year with the Cavs" -- Rich Paul on Tristan Thompson negotiations.

— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) August 10, 2015

Thompson's up-in-the air status with the Cavs also has affected his ability to play internationally.

Under any circumstances, Thompson will not be playing for Canada at FIBA due to contract impasse with Cavs.

— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) August 10, 2015

The fourth-overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, Thompson averaged 8.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game while backing up Kevin Love last season. His numbers increased to 9.6 points and 10.8 rebounds per game in the postseason.