Cavaliers, Thompson reach agreement on contract

CLEVELAND — The Cavaliers and free-agent forward Tristan Thompson have agreed in principle on a five-year, $82 million contract, ending his holdout.

Thompson, who helped the Cavs get to the NBA Finals last season when he filled in for an injured Kevin Love during the playoffs, had been seeking a maximum deal. The sides had been at a stalemate, but reached a verbal agreement Wednesday, less than a week before the season opener.

The team hopes to make the signing official Thursday.

After Thompson declined to sign a one-year, $6.9 million qualifying offer from the team, it appeared he might be willing to sit out part of the regular season. LeBron James had called Thompson’s holdout a “distraction” during training camp.

But he’ll be on the floor as the Cavs try to defend their Eastern Conference title.

Thompson averaged 10.8 rebounds in the playoffs last season.