Cavs Sign Former Lakers' Center To One-Year Deal To Fill Out Roster

After emerging as the top team in the East last season, the Cleveland Cavaliers continue their efforts to build roster strength. However, with restricted avenues to do so due to pre-existing cap constraints, the Cavs have been limited to making free agency additions. Hence, the recent signing of Thomas Bryant can be considered particularly noteworthy.

Bryant has carved out an impressive career for himself in the NBA. After being selected with the No. 42 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, he went on to prove himself as a versatile big man with offensive upside.

Bryant has been a part of competitive teams in the past, most significantly being a member of the Indiana Pacers' rotation after being traded from the Miami Heat. Serving as a backup in the absence of James Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson, he provided solid contributions in the limited opportunities he received, as he averaged 6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds in 15.1 minutes played with the team.

Although the former Lakers' center hasn't held a significant role since his stint with the Washington Wizards, at 28 years old, it is clear that he still has enough left in the tank to be a contributor on a winning team.

Bryant boasts tremendous physical tools and versatility. With a long wingspan and vertical reach, the big man established himself as a solid inside presence on the boards and the scoring front. He has also developed his three-point shooting, which, although mediocre (34.6% for his career), could have merit in improving floor spacing.

On this note, his addition to the Cleveland Cavaliers could be particularly useful.

The Cavs boast an extremely talented big man rotation. With the likes of Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, and Larry Nance Jr., it will be a challenge for Bryant to crack the rotation. But having a player like Bryant act as insurance in the event of an injury would be essential in maintaining stability during the course of the season.

As mentioned earlier, the Cavs have already invested a significant amount in their core. Given that they are already over the second tax apron, it is a challenge for them to facilitate trades to add reinforcements to their roster at this stage. Hence, resorting to free agency signings like Bryant appears to be the direction they are heading in. 

As a free agent, having an opportunity to remain in the NBA could be of great value for the 28-year-old. But it is also important to note that Bryant's contract is non-guaranteed, which means that he will only have a place on Cleveland's 21-man training camp roster, not the regular-season roster just yet.

With this in mind, the center will have to earn his place on the Cavs' main roster for the 2025-26 season. Given that the team has already filled out 13 spots, it is likely that Bryant will compete with several other players for the 14th, as Cleveland is expected to keep the 15th spot empty due to further tax concerns.

With Darius Garland out of the rotation for the foreseeable future, the Cavs may prioritize adding a backup point guard instead to keep their title hopes alive. However, the need for depth in the frontcourt could also be viewed as a necessity, creating an opportunity for Bryant to carve out a role for himself in the rotation.