The Cleveland Cavaliers made some pretty big news on Wednesday, signing forward Tristan Thompson to an absurd five-year, $82 million contract. 

The deal comes less than a week prior to the start of the regular season. It was the last unfinished piece of the Cavaliers puzzle as they prepare to defend their Eastern Conference title. It also comes after months of negotiations between the two sides — negotiations that seemed to get contentious at times. 

In excess of $16 million annually, Thompson's deal is an exact replica of the contract Draymond Green signed with the Golden State Warriors during the summer. For a player with a limited offensive game that offers no threat outside of the box and can't hit free throws on a consistent basis, some would draw the conclusion that Cleveland overpaid for Thompson. 

And while that is likely true, what he does for the Cavaliers is part of what makes them the top team in the East heading into the season. A dominant rebounder on both ends of the court, Thompson provides Cleveland with additional possession after additional possession multiple times per game. It's stuff like that which goes unnoticed in the grand scheme of things. 

Thompson averaged 8.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game last season while shooting 55 percent from the field.