Cavs Fill Final Roster Spot with G League Standout Riley Minix
The Cavaliers have locked in their final roster spot for the 2025-26 season, inking G League forward Riley Minix to a two-way contract and bringing their player count to the maximum 18. It’s a move that speaks to Cleveland’s long-term vision and their belief in Minix’s upside - even if most of his minutes this season will still come in the G League.
Minix, a 6-foot-7 forward out of Morehead State, went undrafted in 2024 but has steadily carved out a name for himself. He began this season on a two-way deal with the San Antonio Spurs, appearing in three NBA games and scoring nine total points. While that stint was brief, it offered a glimpse of his potential - and clearly, the Cavs saw enough to make a move.
Last month, Cleveland made a subtle but telling trade to acquire Minix’s G League rights from the Austin Spurs. The three-team deal saw the Charge, Cleveland’s G League affiliate, send their 2027 first- and second-round G League Draft picks to the Westchester Knicks. That kind of draft capital isn’t handed out lightly in the G League world, and it signaled how highly the organization values Minix.
The timing of the signing also makes sense. With Nae’Qwan Tomlin recently earning a standard NBA contract after starting the season on a two-way deal, the Cavs had an open slot. They considered their options - including Norchad Omier, who’s been putting up big numbers for the Charge and was recently named G League Player of the Week - but ultimately went with Minix.
And it’s easy to see why.
Minix has been quietly impressive in the G League this season. He’s averaging 17.5 points per game while shooting 51.2% from the field and a scorching 42.6% from beyond the arc.
Those aren’t just good numbers - they’re the kind of efficient, high-IQ production that fits the Cavs’ system to a tee. He’s shown the ability to stretch the floor, make smart reads, and play within the flow of the game - traits that translate well to the next level.
At 25 years old, Minix is considered a late bloomer, but his development curve is trending in the right direction. He’s not just a shooter - he’s a versatile forward who can defend multiple positions, handle the ball in spurts, and play with a level of maturity that belies his limited NBA experience.
Of course, with the Cavs already deep into the regular season, Minix will only be eligible for a limited number of NBA games under his two-way deal. Most of his time will still be spent with the Charge, where he can continue to develop and stay ready for a potential call-up.
He joins Tristan Enaruna and Emanuel Miller as the Cavs’ current two-way players, rounding out a trio of high-upside, versatile forwards who give Cleveland depth and flexibility as the season progresses.
For now, Minix gets a shot - and the Cavs get another intriguing piece to evaluate as they continue building out their roster with an eye on both the present and the future.