LeBron James quickly signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the offseason despite Tristan Thompson's restricted free agency with the team.

James' agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, also represents Thompson.

"It was my understanding at the outset that their plan, when I say 'their', I'm talking about Tristan's representation, was to handle Tristan Thompson's contract first and then do LeBron's contract. But five days into free agency, they realized Tristan's deal was going to go very long and they had a choice to make. LeBron could either exercise influence or not. And whether it was Rich Paul's decision or LeBron's decision, they elected not to do that. LeBron signed his contract. And people made some reactions this week because LeBron came out and said something very, very tepid on Instagram. 'Get it done.' And he's since said "it's a distraction." (People have said) 'LeBron weighing in.'

"I rolled my eyes. No, that's not LeBron weighing in. If LeBron wanted to weigh in, he'd come up in front of the microphone and say 'When I signed with the Cavaliers, Dan Gilbert told me that the luxury tax and salary was not going to be an issue and that's why I'm here. So sign Tristan Thompson because you said that wasn't going to be an issue.'

"This is an interesting test case to see how forceful LeBron may be at the bargaining table with the players union in two years."

Windhorst also said that if Paul wins a restricted free agency this year as he did last year with Eric Bledsoe, it would increase his power immensely.