The Cleveland Cavaliers are making moves at the margins of their roster, and the latest is a notable one for fans who’ve been tracking the G League pipeline. On Wednesday, the Cavs signed forward Tristan Enaruna to a two-way contract, parting ways with Chris Livingston in the process.
The timing? Just hours before Cleveland hosts LeBron James and the Lakers-a game already carrying plenty of buzz.
For those who’ve been following the Charge this season, Enaruna’s name won’t come as a surprise. The 6-foot-8, 220-pound forward has been quietly putting together a strong campaign with Cleveland’s G League affiliate.
Through 23 games, he’s averaging 19.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.4 steals in just under 31 minutes a night. He’s started every game, and he’s hit the 20-point mark in more than half of them-13, to be exact.
That kind of production, combined with his versatility, made him a prime candidate for a call-up.
This isn’t Enaruna’s first run with the Cavs, either. He suited up for Cleveland during the 2025 Summer League and earned a training camp invite off the strength of his performance.
He appeared in two preseason games before being waived, but the organization held onto his G League rights. That decision is paying off now.
Enaruna’s game is built on doing the little things that don’t always show up in the box score. Back in July, before heading to Las Vegas for Summer League, he described himself as an all-around player-a two-way presence who doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact.
“I think I'm good at creating extra possessions, putting myself in positions where teammates can find me, being a great cutter,” he said at the time. “Being able to shoot it from outside, space the floor... attacking the rim, getting to the paint, getting to my spots, and then making plays from there.”
It’s that kind of self-awareness and commitment to team basketball that likely resonated with the Cavs’ front office and coaching staff. Enaruna’s ability to defend multiple positions, finish at the rim, and stretch the floor gives Cleveland another flexible piece to work with as they navigate the grind of the NBA season.
Before landing in Cleveland, Enaruna spent time with the Boston Celtics organization after going undrafted in 2024. He’s also no stranger to the local hoops scene-he played two seasons at Cleveland State, following earlier stops at Iowa State and Kansas. That Ohio connection adds another layer to his story, and it’s clear he’s been working to carve out a spot in the NBA by taking the G League route seriously.
As for Chris Livingston, his time with the Cavaliers comes to a close after appearing in three games with the big club and 16 with the Charge. Signed to a two-way deal back on November 4, Livingston was the team’s third two-way player. With Enaruna’s emergence, the Cavs are opting for a different look in that slot.
It’s a move that might not make national headlines, but for a team looking to keep its depth sharp and reward internal development, it’s a significant one. Enaruna has earned his shot-and now he gets a chance to show what he can do at the next level.