Cavaliers sign 2025 breakout forward to a new two-year contract originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
After an eventful and successful NBA trade deadline that resulted in them landing James Harden, Dennis Schroder, and Keon Ellis, the Cleveland Cavaliers aren’t quite done making moves to the roster.
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On Tuesday, the Cavaliers signed two-way forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin to a two-year, $3 million fully guaranteed NBA contract, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported.
From being an undrafted free agent in 2024 to emerging as a pivotal piece to the Cavaliers in 2025-26, Tomlin has officially climbed the ranks.
What role has Nae’Qwan Tomlin played for the Cavaliers this season?
Nae’Qwan Tomlin, 25, made his NBA debut back in February of 2024, but didn’t see relevant minutes until the final game of the regular season. In a double-overtime win over the Indiana Pacers on April 13 of last season, Tomlin broke out, recording 24 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, and one block while shooting 80for-21 from the field and hitting two three-pointers.
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This performance was exactly what he needed, and Tomlin carried this momentum into the 2025-26 season.
After starting this year with the Cleveland Charge, the Cavs’ G League affiliate, Tomlin made his season debut in early November. His minutes have continued to grow.
Through 43 appearances for the Cavaliers this in 2025-26, Tomlin is averaging 6.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assists while shooting 48.7 percent from the field.
His energy and reliability have become something that head coach Kenny Atkinson has admired while Cleveland has dealt with injuries to their front court.
The franchise finally decided that he was deserving of an NBA contract. Expect Tomlin to play a key role in the Cavaliers’ hopeful playoff run, playing under Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen once the usual starters get back to good health.
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