Patrick Johnson 
The Cleveland Cavaliers training camp has been marred by the absence of one vital piece from their NBA Finals trip from last season. Tristan Thompson has held out for a new contract, and apparently the Cavs’ offer is millions of dollars apart from the max level deal he’s seeking. It’s a peculiar situation given that Thompson shares the same agent as LeBron James. The King is hoping to have Tristan back for his offensive rebounding skills – that and Thompson could wear this new Cavs-themed Nike LeBron Soldier 9. There’s no doubt that the LeBron team model is referencing the Cleveland squad’s past as that unique combination of wine and gold dominates the upper. The wine mesh base allows for the branding to shine in a premium metallic gold. That hex zoom cushioning doesn’t carry over, but the shape is referenced throughout the grooves on the outsole. Regardless of Thompson’s return, we’re likely to see this pair worn by somebody on the Cavs roster by season’s start. Check out a better look at this Cavs themed Soldier 9 after the break and let us know your thoughts by penning them in the comments section.
