The Cavaliers may be down to a narrow lane for filling their 14th roster spot, and one of the few names still in play now looks far less certain than before.
Cleveland’s offseason has already chewed through most of its financial flexibility. The team has added Peyton Watson on the wing, brought in Mario Hezonja as what looks like a legitimate depth option, and has rookie Meleek Thomas positioned to factor into the rotation sooner rather than later. Even with those moves, there are still questions at the back end of the roster.
Then came the waiver of Cam Whitmore, which shut down most of the remaining paths to address those concerns. That leaves one realistic route: signing a player whose draft rights are still held by the team. It’s an unusual place to be, but that’s where Cleveland stands.
Khalifa Diop has been the name most often floated and appears to be on track to land in Cleveland. Ismael Kamagate, whose draft rights were recently acquired by the team, had also been mentioned as a possibility, though his recent contract makes it seem like he may be out of the picture.
That brings Saliou Niang into focus. The 58th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft is the other remaining option, but even that path may be complicated now. According to College Basketball Insider Jon Rothstein, Niang is one of three players tied to LSU who have retained Attorney Don Jackson in an effort to be eligible for the 2026-27 season.
Attorney Don Jackson tells me that LSU’s Brice Dessert, Michael Ruzic, and Saliou Niang have retained his legal services in their efforts to be eligible for the 2026-27 season.Jackson has previously represented multiple international players seeking eligibility.
That doesn’t exactly sound like a player preparing to jump straight into the NBA. Niang, who has been playing for the Italian national team, also spoke recently with Matteo De Santis of La Stampa about his national team goals and his connection with the Cavaliers.
The picture that emerges is of a young player focused on development rather than rushing into a decision, even if an NBA opportunity is there. Given that, it’s not hard to understand why he might prefer to keep his options open.
Niang has been productive for Italy, averaging 12.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting about 55.2% from the field. Whether that ultimately leads him to LSU remains to be seen.
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Former Cavs First Rounder Suddenly Has A New Spotlight
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One name now sitting in that conversation is Cam Whitmore, the former first-round pick who was recently waived by the Cavaliers. Whitmore already has NBA experience, and with the Lakers still exploring options, he could be in play for a two-way contract if their search points in that direction. [Read more 🡒]