Three Cleveland Cavaliers additions to look out for during 2025-26 season

Ball, who suited up for a division rival in the Chicago Bulls last season, was acquired in exchange for forward Isaac Okoro late last June. The 6-foot-6 guard averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game in 35 games and 14 starts last season. He signed a two-year, $20 million extension with the Bulls earlier this year, which includes a team option in its second year.

Ball's defense may be one of his biggest strengths from the moment he first steps onto the court for the Cavs. Ball's guard matchups hit 40.6% of their tries from the field and just under 35% of their three-point tries last year.

He utilized his knack for altering passes to average 1.3 steals per game last season, which can only enhance a Cavs defense that tied for second in the playoffs with just under nine steals per contest. On top of his flashy passes and versatility, Ball may be a welcome addition to a Cavaliers roster that saw guard Ty Jerome sign with the Memphis Grizzlies this summer.

Thomas Bryant

Bryant signed a one-year contract with the Cavaliers last week, which added to the revolving door of backup fives they have tried over the last few years. Cleveland has looked to Tristan Thompson, Damian Jones, Robin Lopez and Mamadi Diakite, among others, in the quest to find a backup behind Jarrett Allen in the past.

Still, in theory, Bryant may be the one to put Cleveland's search to rest for good.

The former Indiana Hoosier averaged just under seven points and four rebounds during the 56 regular season games he suited up for one of the Cavs' division rivals last season. He logged minutes in 20 playoff games for a Pacers squad that made their way to an NBA Finals appearance just two years after he hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy with the Denver Nuggets. Most importantly, Bryant can hit the occasional 3-pointer, which can be a solid bonus if he can be a consistent long-range shooter.

Larry Nance Jr.

From Larry, to Larry, to Pete, to Larry again.

The Nance family will continue to build its legacy with the Cavaliers after forward Larry Nance Jr. took his talents back home with a one-year contract in July. While the former Revere High School standout is no stranger to the Cavaliers, he hasn't suited up in a Cavs uniform since 2021. Pete Nance, his younger brother, has played in eight games for the Cavs and in two seasons with the Cleveland Charge.

Nance, who stuck around through the Cavs' rebuilding seasons, set high expectations for the surging squad after suiting up for the Atlanta Hawks last season. He averaged 8.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game with Atlanta, where he added a near-45% clip from beyond the 3-point line on over three attempts per game. Nance can provide some excellent depth alongside Bryant and fill a number of gaps at the four spot.