Cleveland Cavaliers News

EASTERN CENTRAL

Meleek Thomas • SG • Cavaliers

Meleek Thomas Extends Hot Summer League Run

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Meleek Thomas stayed hot with 24 points on 10-for-20 shooting in Friday's 100-91 Summer League win over the Bulls, adding two assists, two rebounds, and one steal over 25 minutes. The Arkansas product has been the story of Cleveland's Vegas trip, leading the Summer League in scoring after a 35-point showing against Miami. He slid to No. 34 on draft night despite first-round buzz, and the summer has played like vindication. The catch for fantasy managers is the depth chart: Thomas sits behind James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, so the production reads as a long-term investment more than a source of rookie-year minutes.

Jul 18

Meleek Thomas • SG • Cavaliers

Meleek Thomas Drops 35 Points in First Summer League Win

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Meleek Thomas dropped 35 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals, one block, and five three-pointers in Monday's 90-73 Summer League win over the Miami Heat. Thomas shot 14-for-23 from the field, 5-for-9 from deep, and 1-for-1 at the line. The No. 34 pick has now scored 20, 30, and 35 points in his first three Las Vegas games, giving Cleveland a real shot-creation bright spot. Thomas is unlikely to have a clean rookie-year fantasy path without rotation minutes, but the scoring burst, threes, and steals make him a name to track beyond Summer League.

Jul 14

Nae'Qwan Tomlin • PF • Cavaliers

Nae'Qwan Tomlin Scores 20 Points in Cavaliers Loss

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Nae'Qwan Tomlin finished with 20 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block across 29 minutes in Friday's 99-93 Summer League loss to the Indiana Pacers. Tomlin tied Meleek Thomas for the team lead in scoring and gave Cleveland one of its best two-way lines despite the loss. The 25-year-old already flashed late-season upside with a 26-point regular-season game in April, and this outing showed the same activity-based appeal. Tomlin is still working toward a consistent offensive role, but his ability to rebound, defend, and hit enough jumpers could help him earn a longer look in Cleveland's rotation.

Jul 11

Meleek Thomas • SG • Cavaliers

Meleek Thomas Looks Sharp in Summer League Debut

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Meleek Thomas made his Summer League debut against the Indiana Pacers on Friday. He put together a solid outing, showing off his scoring ability. Thomas finished with 20 points (7-of-15 FGs), five rebounds, and three assists in the loss to the Pacers. The Cavs selected Thomas in the second round of this year's draft out of Arkansas. He recently signed a four-year deal worth nearly $10 million. This team has lost a few key bench contributors to free agency, so Thomas might have a chance to help this team right away.

Jul 10

Donovan Mitchell • SG • Cavaliers

Cavaliers Lock Up Donovan Mitchell on Maximum Extension

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell agreed to a four-year, $273 million maximum contract extension that includes a player option for the 2030-31 season and a full trade kicker, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The deal locks Mitchell into Cleveland after he averaged 27.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.7 assists last season. There is no role change here, but that is the fantasy takeaway. Mitchell remains the clear offensive engine for a Cleveland team built around his scoring and on-ball creation, keeping him firmly in the high-end guard mix as long as his workload holds.

Jul 7

Meleek Thomas • SG • Cavaliers

Meleek Thomas Signs Four-Year, $9.3 Million Deal With Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Meleek Thomas signed a four-year, $9.3 million deal, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. The No. 34 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft gets the first three years fully guaranteed for $6.4 million, a strong commitment for an early second-rounder. Thomas averaged 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals at Arkansas while shooting 41.6 percent from three. His off-ball shooting gives him a clean developmental path, but Cleveland's veteran backcourt led by Donovan Mitchell and James Harden makes early fantasy value unlikely unless the rotation opens up.

Jul 2

LeBron James • SF |

Dennis Schröder • PG • Cavaliers

Dennis Schroder Enters Cavaliers Trade Talks Amid LeBron James Push

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder has been part of ongoing trade conversations, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, as Cleveland looks to create flexibility for a possible LeBron James addition and Dean Wade return. Schroder averaged 10.8 points, 4.9 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.8 steals in 24.2 minutes last season while shooting just 32.9% from three. His fantasy value in Cleveland was capped by James Harden and Donovan Mitchell controlling the offense, but a trade could help if he lands somewhere with backup point guard minutes and clearer second-unit usage. His shooting still keeps the ceiling modest.

Jun 30

LeBron James • SF |

Max Strus • SG • Cavaliers

Cavaliers Could Move Max Strus to Clear Room for LeBron James

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Max Strus has been discussed in ongoing trade conversations, according to Jake Fischer, as the Cavaliers look for ways to create space for LeBron James and improve their chances of retaining Dean Wade. Strus averaged 11.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists last season, but he was limited to 12 regular-season games before rejoining the rotation in the playoffs. His $16.7 million expiring salary makes him a logical trade chip, though a move away from Cleveland could cut either way for fantasy. Strus needs steady minutes and high-volume perimeter work to matter, so landing spot would be everything.

Jun 30

Craig Porter Jr. • PG • Cavaliers

Cavaliers Exercise Team Option on Craig Porter Jr.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Craig Porter Jr. will be back with the organization after they exercised his team option for the 2026-2027 season. This was a no-brainer for the organization, given how well Porter has played for them this past season. The Cavs will bring him back on a $2.41 million team option for next season. This past season, Porter averaged 4.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists across 17.9 minutes per game in 64 games. He didn't make much of an impact during the postseason, but Porter is still a valuable piece with the second unit. He'll likely serve in a similar role with the organization next season.

Jun 23

James Harden • SG • Cavaliers

James Harden Arrested on Misdemeanor Weapons Charge

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden was arrested early Saturday in Houston and charged with misdemeanor unlawful carrying of a weapon, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reports. According to Harris County court records, officers observed a handgun in plain view, not holstered, on the seat of a car he owns around 3:41 a.m. Harden was released on a $100 bond, with an arraignment set for June 22. The Cavaliers said they are gathering information and in contact with Harden. For fantasy purposes, the on-court fallout looks minimal for now: the charge is a misdemeanor, and while the NBA could weigh discipline under its conduct policy, nothing suggests his availability is in question. The bigger variable remains his offseason, as Harden, a high-usage scorer who averaged 20.5 points and 4.8 assists with Cleveland, holds a player option and is expected to weigh an extension.

Jun 14

Donovan Mitchell • SG • Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell Remains Cleveland's Top Priority

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell is extension-eligible on July 7, and president of basketball operations Koby Altman made it clear the organization plans to keep building around him, according to cleveland.com's Chris Fedor. "He's our guy. Do we think we can win with him as the best player on a championship team? Yes," Altman said. The 29-year-old backed up that confidence with another high-end fantasy season, averaging 27.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 3.5 threes across 70 games. Cleveland's playoff run ended with a four-game Eastern Conference Finals sweep against New York, so the offseason focus now shifts to how Mitchell fits with James Harden and Evan Mobley. If the Cavaliers keep that core intact, Mitchell should remain the team's top scoring option and a strong early-round fantasy anchor.

May 30

Evan Mobley • PF • Cavaliers

Evan Mobley Finishes Season-Ending Loss With 15 Points

Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center Evan Mobley tallied 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and one steal in Monday's 130-93 blowout loss to the New York Knicks. Mobley, who finished 7-for-15 from the field in Game 4, played well throughout the series, but the Cavaliers fell well short in other areas. The 24-year-old finished the second season of a five-year, $269 million contract. In 2025-26, Mobley averaged career highs with 1.7 blocks and 3.6 assists. While his three-point efficiency declined, Mobley still notched 18.2 points and grabbed 9.0 rebounds per game. His high-level two-way ability makes Mobley an outstanding fantasy asset, and he hasn't even reached his prime yet.

May 26

James Harden • SG • Cavaliers

James Harden Wants to Stay in Cleveland

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden holds a $42.3 million player option on his contract for the 2026-27 season and wants to stay with the team, ESPN's Jamal Collier reports. "Definitely want to be here," Harden said after Monday's season-ending 130-93 loss to the New York Knicks. "I think we found something. It's tough. It's not ending how we wanted to, but I think we found something." Harden had a disappointing outing on Monday night, finishing with 12 points on a 2-for-8 effort from the field. But he showed strong play overall after arriving midseason from the Los Angeles Clippers, averaging 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists. The former MVP formed an excellent backcourt partnership with Donovan Mitchell. Cleveland went 16-6 with Harden and Mitchell in the lineup, and the team's 122.1 offensive efficiency with the two on the floor would have ranked first in the NBA over a full season.

May 26

Donovan Mitchell • SG • Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell Remains Committed to Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell has no plans to move despite the team being swept in the Eastern Conference Finals by the New York Knicks. "I love it here. I don't know any other way to say it," Mitchell told reporters after Cleveland's season ended with a 130-93 blowout loss. The team struggled badly in Monday's elimination game despite Mitchell's 31 points. Mitchell reached the Conference Finals for the first time in his nine-year NBA career and clearly sees a bright future for the Cavaliers. He is eligible to sign a contract extension this offseason, ahead of his 30th birthday. While Mitchell isn't getting any younger, he still has plenty of fantasy value, having posted averages of 27.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.5 steals this season.

May 26

Dennis Schröder • PG • Cavaliers

Dennis Schroder is Ruled Out for Game 4 on Monday

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dennis Schroder (illness) has been downgraded to out ahead of Monday's Game 4 against the New York Knicks. Schroder was a late addition to the injury report due to an illness. It will ultimately force him to miss this game and possibly the rest of this series with the Cavs down 3-0 in the series. His absence will likely mean increased playing time for Keon Ellis. Schroder wasn't playing a ton this series anyway. Ellis might play minutes in the teens, but that likely won't be enough to warrant looking at him as a DFS option.

May 25

Evan Mobley • PF • Cavaliers

Evan Mobley Tallies Series-High 24 Points on Saturday

Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center Evan Mobley recorded 24 points, six rebounds, two assists, one block, and one three-pointer in Saturday's 121-108 Game 3 loss to the New York Knicks. The 24-year-old was a primary bright spot for Cleveland in the defeat, finishing 10-for-18 from the field and 3-for-4 from the free-throw line. While Mobley provided efficient scoring and defensive versatility, the Cavaliers struggled to contain a high-powered Knicks offense led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Despite Cleveland's star-studded lineup of James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, and Jarrett Allen remaining healthy for this contest, the team now faces a daunting 0-3 series deficit in the Eastern Conference Finals. Mobley has been a reliable fantasy performer throughout the 2026 postseason, but he will need to find another gear to keep the Cavaliers' season alive and avoid a sweep in Game 4.

May 24

Donovan Mitchell • SG • Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell Struggles at the Line Saturday

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell recorded 23 points, one rebound, four assists, three steals, and three three-pointers in Saturday's 121-108 Game 3 loss to the New York Knicks. The 29-year-old shot 9-for-21 from the field, but his 2-for-6 night at the foul line hurt an already thin margin for Cleveland. Mitchell still gave fantasy managers points, threes, and steals, although the lack of rebounding and modest assist total capped the line. With the Cavaliers down 3-0, he should carry another heavy scoring burden in Monday's elimination game.

May 24

Evan Mobley • PF • Cavaliers

Evan Mobley Fills the Box Score in Game 2 Loss

Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center Evan Mobley chipped in 14 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in Thursday's 109-93 Game 2 loss to the New York Knicks, knocking down two threes on 5-for-8 shooting. The 2024-25 Defensive Player of the Year stretched the floor and protected the rim, but his rebounding dropped off sharply from the 14 boards he grabbed in Game 1. Cleveland's frontcourt simply couldn't generate enough second-chance offense once an 18-0 Knicks third-quarter run flipped the game. Mobley remains a steady multi-category contributor whose blocks, boards, and improving outside touch give him a high fantasy floor even on a down scoring night. With the series shifting to Rocket Arena, expect his interior workload against Karl-Anthony Towns to climb in a near-elimination Game 3.

May 22

James Harden • SG • Cavaliers

James Harden Held to Two Assists Thursday

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden tallied 18 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals, and three three-pointers in Thursday's 109-93 Game 2 loss to the New York Knicks. The 36-year-old shot 6-for-15 from the field and 3-for-3 at the line, but his low assist total was a problem on a night when Cleveland's offense stalled badly. The Cavaliers shot only 38.8 percent overall and 9-for-35 from three-point range, falling into a 2-0 series hole. Harden can still supply scoring and steals, but Cleveland needs more playmaking from him in Game 3.

May 22

Donovan Mitchell • SG • Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell Leads Cavaliers in Scoring in Game 2 Defeat

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell paced his team with 26 points in Thursday's 109-93 Game 2 loss to the New York Knicks, sinking 8-of-9 at the free-throw line on a night the Cavs converted just 68.8 percent there as a group. The four-time All-Star shot 8-for-18 from the field with two threes, four rebounds, one assist, and one block, and his floater briefly cut the deficit to eight before an 18-0 Knicks third-quarter run buried Cleveland. "I thought our process was right tonight, so that gives me confidence going home," coach Kenny Atkinson said. Mitchell's volume and free-throw access keep his fantasy floor high regardless of efficiency, and a return to Rocket Arena down 2-0 sets up a likely usage spike. He poured in 48 points in a similar spot a year ago, so the ceiling for a Game 3 outburst is real.

May 22

Cleveland Cavaliers News

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