The Cavaliers didn’t waste any time reshuffling the back end of their roster. Just a day after waiving Chris Livingston, Cleveland moved quickly to fill the open two-way slot, signing forward Tristan Enaruna to a two-way contract-a move that signals both opportunity and upside.
Enaruna, 24, has been on the grind since going undrafted out of Cleveland State in 2024. His path hasn’t been glamorous-Exhibit 10 deals with both Boston and Cleveland, followed by quick waivers-but he’s stayed the course in the G League, and now that persistence is starting to pay off.
This season with the Cleveland Charge, Enaruna has been making some real noise. Through 23 games, he’s averaging 19.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in a little over 30 minutes per game.
But it’s not just the counting stats that jump out-it’s the efficiency. He’s shooting 53.3% from the field and 35.5% from beyond the arc, showing growth in areas that held him back during his time with the Maine Celtics last season.
That leap in production isn’t just encouraging-it’s exactly what you want to see from a developmental prospect. He’s not just putting up numbers; he’s doing it within the flow of the game, with improved shot selection and a growing confidence in his perimeter game.
For the Cavaliers, this is a smart, low-risk move. Two-way contracts are tailor-made for players like Enaruna-guys who have shown enough at the G League level to warrant a closer look at the NBA level. And with Cleveland already burning through 69 of their allotted 90 combined “under-15” active games for two-way players, there’s real value in getting someone who can contribute if called upon.
If Enaruna sticks around for the rest of the season, he’ll be eligible for up to 22 active games with the big club. That’s not a ton, but it’s enough to get a feel for whether he can translate his G League success to the next level. Eventually, Cleveland will need to address the open 15th roster spot to maintain roster flexibility, but in the meantime, this is a forward-thinking move that gives them another young piece to evaluate.
It’s a bet on a player trending in the right direction-and for a team looking to build depth and develop talent, that’s exactly the kind of swing worth taking.