The Cavaliers have signed swingman Zhaire Smith to a 10-day contract, the team announced Sunday in a press release.
The 16th overall pick in the 2018 draft, Smith has been playing this season for the Cleveland Charge, the Cavs’ G League affiliate. In 32 regular season and Showcase Cup games with the Charge, the 24-year-old has averaged 12.8 points and 4.3 rebounds in 33.4 minutes per contest, posting a shooting line of .543/.404/.796.
This season has represented a major comeback effort for Smith, who battled health issues after going pro and was limited to 13 regular-season appearances in two NBA seasons with the Sixers.
He was traded during the 2020 offseason to the Pistons, who subsequently waived him. Before signing an Exhibit 10 contract with the Cavaliers during the 2023 offseason, the Texas Tech standout hadn’t been on an NBA roster since 2020.
In addition to battling foot and knee issues, Smith also dealt with a life-threatening allergic reaction earlier in his career, which he has said resulted in a month-and-a-half stay in a hospital and a 60-pound weight loss.
“Just not be able to play the game made me hungry and motivated because I missed it so much,” Smith told Sam Yip of HoopsHype this past fall. “But I promise you I’m not gonna take it for granted anymore. Anytime I step on that court, I’m going to go 110 percent.
The Cavaliers had only been carrying 13 players on standard contracts, so no corresponding move was necessary to make room for Smith. Cleveland will still have one opening on its 15-man roster.
Smith’s “10-day” contract will run for 12 days, earning him a couple of extra days of pay since 10-day deals are required to cover at least three games.
The Cavs only play twice more before the All-Star break — the third and final game of Smith’s contract will come on Feb. 22 vs. Orlando.
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