The Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t just make noise at the trade deadline-they orchestrated a near-perfect sequence of moves that reshaped their roster and their future. Headlining the action was the acquisition of James Harden, a future Hall of Famer whose offensive pedigree needs no introduction.
But the Cavs didn’t stop there. They also brought in two high-level role players in Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis-both of whom bring depth, versatility, and experience to a team with postseason aspirations.
And in a move that was as much about addition as it was subtraction, Cleveland finally pulled the plug on the Lonzo Ball experiment. Ball was shipped to the Utah Jazz along with second-round draft capital, and he’s expected to be waived, clearing the way for a fresh start-for both him and the Cavs.
That decision opened up a roster spot, and the next step seems as clear as it is overdue: it’s time to reward Nae’Qwan Tomlin with a standard NBA contract.
Tomlin’s Time Has Come
Let’s be clear-the Cavaliers are a better team today than they were three days ago. But even with the influx of talent, one area still needs shoring up: interior grit and hustle.
That’s where Tomlin comes in. At 6-foot-8, the forward has the length, motor, and physicality to give Cleveland a much-needed edge off the bench.
He’s currently on a two-way deal, but not for much longer. Cavs President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman confirmed in his post-deadline press conference that Tomlin will be elevated to a standard contract. It’s a move that reflects not just roster mechanics, but the organization’s belief in what Tomlin brings to the floor.
More Than the Box Score
Tomlin first turned heads last season with a dominant stretch in the G League, which earned him a ten-day contract. While his minutes were limited, he made a strong impression on head coach Kenny Atkinson and the rest of the coaching staff. That early spark has carried over into this season.
Through 41 games-two of them starts-Tomlin has averaged 6.6 points and 3.1 rebounds per game while shooting 48 percent from the field. On a per-36-minute basis, those numbers jump to 13.7 points and 6.5 boards. But his value goes far beyond the stat sheet.
What Tomlin brings is energy-the kind that doesn’t always show up in metrics. He runs the floor hard, contests shots with intensity, and isn’t afraid to mix it up in the paint. That kind of effort matters, especially for a team still searching for its physical identity after a disappointing playoff exit last spring.
Altman himself acknowledged after that postseason loss that the team lacked toughness. While Jarrett Allen is a skilled and willing defender, he’s not the bruiser you lean on to set a tone.
Tomlin, despite playing the four, brings that edge. He’s not just a hustle guy-he’s a tone-setter, the kind of player who makes opponents uncomfortable and teammates more confident.
Making It Official
Tomlin has done everything you could ask of a player fighting for a permanent NBA role. He’s earned the trust of the coaching staff, proven he can contribute in meaningful minutes, and brought a level of fire that’s hard to teach. Now, with a roster spot open and the dust settled from the deadline, the Cavaliers have the opportunity to lock in a player who embodies the kind of grit they’ve been missing.
He may not fix every issue in the paint, but he brings something every contender needs: relentless effort, physical presence, and a chip on his shoulder. In a league where margins matter, those qualities can swing a game-or even a playoff series.
The Cavaliers just made a series of bold moves to chase something bigger. Making Nae’Qwan Tomlin a permanent part of that journey feels like the next right step.