The Current Cleveland Cavaliers Who Won Championships Elsewhere

Over the years, many teams have won championships. The New York Knicks are the last team to do it, and they beat the San Antonio Spurs. The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in 2025, and before that, teams like the Boston Celtics, the Denver Nuggets and the Golden State Warriors added their names to NBA history.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are trying to win their second championship, and players like Donovan Mitchell and James Harden are leading the way. Both guards have their share of accolades, but they have yet to win a championship. Playing together gives them a chance, but Cleveland will have some competition.

Looking at Cleveland's roster, it is a mixture of veterans and young talent. Interestingly enough, some of these players have won championships, and that includes the Cavs' new addition.

Cavs (Finally) Find Their Wing

Earlier this week, the Cavaliers acquired Peyton Watson, and before coming to Cleveland, he had an impressive 2025-26 season. Watson averaged 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists in his breakout season, and he caught the attention of teams like the Cavs. He was a starter during that season, and before that, he was a reserve.

Watson started his career with the Denver Nuggets, as they acquired him in a deal with the Thunder. Oklahoma City drafted him with the 30th pick of the 2022 draft, and Denver gave up JaMychal Green and a 2027 protected first-round draft pick to get him.

The young win won a championship in his first season, as the Nuggets beat the Miami Heat 4-1 in the NBA Finals.

One of Cleveland's veterans was also on that team, as backup center Thomas Bryant spent some time in Denver. He started the 2022-23 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, but he was involved in a four-team trade later on. During that time, he played 18 games and averaged 4.6 points and 3.3 rebounds.

Another Cavs player won a championship two years prior, as Sam Merrill played for the Milwaukee Bucks. He was drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2020, and a few days later, Milwaukee acquired him in a four-team trade.

Merrill played 30 games in his time with the Bucks, by the end of the season, Milwaukee beat the Phoenix Suns in the Finals.

Fast forward to the present, and these three players are gearing up for a significant season. The Cavaliers are ready to compete, and if all goes well, Bryant, Merrill and Watson will win another championship.