This is a win-win move.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have reportedly signed Nae’Qwan Tomlin to a 10-day contract according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. This rewards a young player who has been thriving in the G League while extending the Cavaliers’ window to fill a 14th roster spot a while longer.
Tomlin went undrafted last summer after averaging 14 points per game as a senior for Memphis. The 24-year-old forward notably didn’t start playing organized basketball until high school. All things considered, he’s been a quick learner. He’s found enough success with the Cleveland Charge to earn a 10-day deal in his rookie season.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to a 10-day contract with Nae’Qwan Tomlin, league sources told @hoopshype. Tomlin has averaged 24.6 points on 55.4% shooting and 38.7% from 3-point range, 8.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.2 blocks in his last five games for the Cleveland Charge pic.twitter.com/9wwkFUvjus
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) February 19, 2025
He has all of the physical tools to succeed, standing at 6’10” with a 7’2” wingspan and good athleticism. Tomlin’s size alone would make him an interesting prospect. But his flashes as an on-ball creator and stretch-four make him a potential gem.
Tomlin has hit his stride with the Charge, boasting averages of 24.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.2 blocks in his last five games. He recently scored a career-high 37 points and is shooting the three-pointer at a 36.2% clip. This checks all of the boxes you’d want from a modern power forward.
The hit rate on undrafted prospects is historically low. You aren’t likely to find a rotational player lurking noticed in the G League. Yet, the basketball world has never been more ripe with talent — and the Cavaliers are living proof that you shouldn’t ignore the margins. Max Strus, Dean Wade and Craig Porter Jr. went undrafted while Sam Merrill was the final pick of the 2020 NBA Draft. Can the Cavs strike fire again with Tomlin?
Cleveland won’t have the answer to that question this season. A 10-day contract is just that, 10 days. This move is primarily motivated by the need to fill a 14th roster spot in the wake of trading Caris LeVert and Georges Niang. I’d expect the Cavs to eventually sign a free agent on the buyout market, promote one of their two-way players and then move Tomlin into that two-way slot.
Nonetheless, this is a win-win move for everyone. Tomlin earns his first NBA contract while the Cavs buy themselves more time to scan the buyout market.