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Cavaliers Sign Undrafted Forward to $3 Million Deal

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Feb 11, 2026 9:21 PM ET

The Cleveland Cavaliers improved their roster at the trade deadline, specifically making a move for star guard James Harden in exchange for Darius Garland and a second-round pick.

Cleveland also acquired the likes of Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder to add guard and defensive depth, while parting ways with both Lonzo Ball (waived) and De'Andre Hunter (traded).

While the trade deadline has passed, the Cavs were not done making roster moves.

On Tuesday, Shams Charania of ESPN reported that the Cavs have decided to sign forward Nae'Qwan Tomlin to a standard NBA contract after he had been on a two-way deal. The contract is reportedly worth $3 million over two seasons.

"The Cleveland Cavaliers are signing two-way forward Nae'Qwan Tomlin to a new two-year, $3 million guaranteed contract, agent Aaron Turner of Verus Basketball tells ESPN," Charania wrote. "Tomlin has served as a reliable, energetic reserve for the Cavs."

Tomlin, who went undrafted in 2024, has been a reliable contributor off the bench for Cleveland. Prior to Wednesday's game against the Washington Wizards, the 25-year-old has averaged 6.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 0.7 block and 0.7 steal in 42 games.

Tomlin has even started in two games for the Cavs, highlighting the trust he has developed with Cleveland head coach Kenny Atkinson.

The former Memphis Tigers standout has certainly come a long way in just two years with the team. Last season, he appeared in just five games for the Cavs, averaging 7.2 points and 4.2 rebounds.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Nae'qwan Tomlin (35) steals the ball.Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Nae'Qwan Tomlin Has Unique Path to NBA

It is interesting to note that Tomlin didn't play high school basketball and started his basketball career at the JUCO level.

Tomlin eventually found his way to NCAA basketball with the Kansas State Wildcats in 2022-23, during which he averaged 10.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.0 block in 36 games — all starts.

After moving to Memphis the following season, he increased his numbers to 14.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 21 games, including 11 starts.

While his college production was not enough to get him drafted, he put in the work and made an impression with the Cavs' G League team, the Cleveland Charge.

In 32 games in the G League last season, Tomlin put up 20.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks.

Tomlin was also sensational during the Summer League before the 2025-26 season, leading the Cavs in scoring (20.3 points). He had a couple of memorable games during that stretch, such as his 30-point explosion against the Indiana Pacers and his monster 22-point, 13-rebound game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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