The Cleveland Cavaliers continue to fine-tune the edges of their roster, making another move in what’s been a busy stretch of transactions. Over the past week, they’ve reshaped their depth chart by trading De’Andre Hunter for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, waiving Chris Livingston, and signing Tristan Enaruna to a two-way contract. Now, they’ve taken another step by waiving 2022 second-round pick Luke Travers, as reported Saturday night.
Travers, selected 56th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, spent two seasons overseas in Australia’s NBL before signing a two-way deal with the Cavs in August 2024. Since then, he’s spent most of his time with the Cleveland Charge, the Cavaliers’ G League affiliate, trying to carve out a path to the NBA.
And there were flashes. This season in the G League, Travers averaged 18.1 points, 9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists across 14 games - solid numbers that speak to his versatility and feel for the game.
At 6-foot-7, he’s a strong rebounder and a smart team defender, often in the right place at the right time. But despite those strengths, his transition to the NBA level has been a tough climb.
The biggest hurdle? Offense.
Travers hasn’t yet developed the perimeter shot needed to stretch defenses or the quick-twitch athleticism to consistently break them down off the dribble. That’s left him in a bit of a no-man’s land offensively - not quite a floor spacer, not quite a creator.
His shooting splits with the Charge this season (.430 FG / .284 3PT / .636 FT) reflect that challenge, particularly his three-point shooting, which has hovered below 30% for two straight years. In today’s NBA, where wings are expected to either shoot it or slash, that’s a tough fit.
As a result, Travers saw limited NBA action. Over two seasons, he logged just 191 total minutes across 24 games - most of them in garbage time when the outcome was already decided. The potential was there, but the opportunity never quite materialized.
With Travers now waived, the Cavaliers have one open two-way slot. The other two are currently held by Tristan Enaruna and Nae’Qwan Tomlin.
But Tomlin’s time on a two-way deal may be nearing its end - he’s only eligible for six more NBA games under his current contract. Expect that situation to be addressed, likely with a conversion to a standard deal after the All-Star break.
For the Cavs, these moves are less about making headlines and more about long-term flexibility - identifying who fits the system, who can contribute in meaningful minutes, and who still needs time to develop. Travers, for all his effort and upside, just didn’t quite fit into the current picture.
But at 22 years old, his story is far from finished. Whether it’s another G League stint, a return overseas, or a fresh opportunity with a new NBA team, Travers still has tools worth watching.