NBA Rumors: Tristan Thompson headed to the Toronto Raptors Next Season?

Tristan Thompson might not be playing with the Cleveland Cavaliers after this season.

There have been rumors circulating that Thompson's agent, Rich Paul, is aiming to get Thompson back home to Canada next season. Michael Scotto of Sheridan Hoops reported that several league executives believe that Thompson will be playing for the Toronto Raptors.

"I always thought he was going to end up (in Toronto) this year," one Eastern Conference general manager said. "There's going to be so much money next year so I think he will get it."

"He's a Toronto kid and I'm sure he has a strong following at home," one Eastern Conference executive added.

Even though it is still to early to tell, Scotto noted that Paul just got Cory Joseph a four-year, $30 million deal with the Raptors. Joseph, who is Canadian, and Thompson are friends. The two played together during their college days and Thompson could be eyeing a reunion.

Scotto also noted that Paul turned down a four-year, $52 million offer from the Cavaliers last fall. The fact that he passed up on a lucrative deal could mean that he has another plan in place for Thompson.

Other reports claimed that Thompson would only stay in Cleveland if they offer him a max deal. If they do not, Thompson will reportedly agree to a one-year qualifying offer.

Scotto noted that Thompson could make a lot next year since the salary cap is increasing.

He wrote:

"If Thompson accepts the qualifying offer, he becomes an unrestricted free agent ext summer, when the salary cap is expected to balloon to $90 million. A four-year deal from Toronto would be worth about $87 million - more money for less years than Cleveland is offering now. Depending how high the cap goes, it could reach $100 million. It's all speculative at this point until we know the actual figures.

Thompson would represent a serious upgrade at power forward alongside [Jonas] Valanciunas, who recently signed a four-year, $64 million extension."

Thompson is expected to sign an extension with the Cavaliers.