The Cleveland Cavaliers are shaking things up at the margins of their roster, signing forward Tristan Enaruna to a two-way contract and waiving Chris Livingston in a corresponding move. The timing is notable - the announcement came just hours before the Cavs were set to host LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, a marquee matchup that adds a little extra spotlight to an otherwise under-the-radar transaction.
Enaruna isn’t a household name - not yet, at least - but he’s been making a strong case for himself down in the G League. The 6-foot-8, 220-pound forward has been a consistent force for the Cleveland Charge, averaging 19.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.4 steals in just under 31 minutes a game.
He’s started all 23 games he’s played and has hit the 20-point mark in more than half of them - 13, to be exact. That kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed, especially when it comes with a well-rounded game and a willingness to do the little things.
Enaruna’s journey to this point has been all about persistence and development. He was part of the Cavaliers’ 2025 Summer League squad, where he showed enough promise to earn a training camp invite.
He got a taste of NBA action in two preseason games before being waived, but the Cavs liked him enough to retain his G League rights. That decision is paying off now.
Back in July, before heading to Las Vegas for Summer League, Enaruna spoke about his mindset - and it’s clear he’s been focused on carving out a role by being versatile and team-oriented.
“Obviously, just trying to get a place here in this organization,” he said at the time. “I think it's important that I just go out and try to show who I am to the best of my abilities as a basketball player.
Show what I can do, show what I've developed over the past couple of years. I would say I'm an all-around player, kind of a two-way player.
I love to play on both sides of the ball. I don't think I need the ball to be effective.”
That self-awareness shows up in his game. Enaruna’s not the type to dominate the ball, but he finds ways to impact the game - cutting, crashing the glass, spacing the floor, and attacking the paint when the opportunity’s there.
He’s shown an ability to create extra possessions and make smart plays within the flow of the offense. And perhaps most importantly, he’s focused on being a great teammate - something coaches and front offices always value when filling out the back end of the roster.
His path to Cleveland has been winding. After going undrafted in 2024, Enaruna spent time with the Boston Celtics organization before landing with the Cavs last offseason.
He’s no stranger to the area, having played two seasons at Cleveland State following earlier stops at Iowa State and Kansas. That local connection doesn’t hurt, but it’s his steady growth and production that have earned him this latest shot.
As for Chris Livingston, his stint with the Cavaliers was brief. He was signed to a two-way deal on November 4 and appeared in just three games with the big club and 16 for the Charge. While the opportunity didn’t fully materialize for him in Cleveland, the league is always watching - and a new chance could be around the corner.
For now, the focus shifts to Enaruna, who’s earned this opportunity the hard way. If he can bring the same energy, efficiency, and team-first mentality to the NBA floor that he’s shown in the G League, he might just stick around a while.