Tristan Thompson ends holdout, signs with Cavaliers

The Cavaliers have officially signed power forward Tristan Thompson to a five-year, $82 million contract.

The sides ended a sometimes contentious stalemate in negotiations by agreeing in principle to the deal Wednesday. Thompson signed it and is expected to practice with his teammates for the first time since last season on Friday.

The sides had been in an awkward stalemate, which threatened to carry over into the regular season. However agent Rich Paul, who also represents star LeBron James, and Cleveland's front office were able to come to terms less than a week before the opener at Chicago.

When Thompson declined to sign a one-year, $6.9 million qualifying offer from the team last month, it appeared he might be willing to sit out part of the regular season. James had called Thompson's holdout a "distraction" and the impasse over the contract threatened to sidetrack the Cavs from getting back to the Finals.

But now Thompson will back up Love and provide his usual energy for Cleveland's second unit.

Thompson came through in the playoffs after Love dislocated his left shoulder in the first round. The affable 24-year-old averaged 9.6 points and 10.8 rebounds in the post-season. He averaged 8.5 points and 8.0 rebounds in the regular season.

Cleveland chose Thompson three selections after drafting Kyrie Irving with the first overall pick in 2011.