Cleveland Cavaliers Roster Overhaul
The Cleveland Cavaliers are in the midst of a roster overhaul, having recently executed a series of strategic moves to optimize their team. Chief among these decisions, the organization confirmed late Saturday that they are releasing Luke Travers, their 2022 second-round draft choice.
Recent Team Adjustments
This move follows other adjustments, including the trade of De’Andre Hunter for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, as well as the waiver of Chris Livingston and the signing of Tristan Enaruna to a two-way contract.
Luke Travers’ Performance
Luke Travers, who had been on a two-way deal with the Cavaliers since August 2024, played primarily with the Cleveland Charge, the team’s affiliate in the G League. Over the last two seasons, he showcased a strong ability as a defender and rebounder but faced challenges in finding his offensive niche. In the 14 games he played this season with the Charge, Travers averaged 18.1 points, nine rebounds, and 5.1 assists, but his shooting left much to be desired—he managed only 28.4% from beyond the arc this year, following a disappointing 26.2% his previous season.
Transition to the NBA
Despite some promising stats at the G League level, Travers struggled to transition those skills to the NBA, resulting in limited playing time on the Cavaliers’ active roster. Across two seasons, he appeared in just 24 games, totaling 191 minutes mostly during non-critical situations.
Future Roster Implications
With Travers’ release, the Cavaliers now have an open two-way spot available. Enaruna and fellow player Nae’Qwan Tomlin currently fill the other two-way contracts. However, Tomlin’s eligibility under his existing terms will expire after six more games, suggesting that he may soon be shifted to a standard contract following the All-Star break. This latest roster adjustment reflects the Cavaliers’ commitment to refining their team as they aim for greater competitiveness in the league.