NBA update: Nae’Qwan Tomlin to Cleveland? Cavaliers sign forward to well-earned standard contract

ESPN's Shams Charania reports that two-way forward Nae'Qwan Tomlin has agreed to a standard contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers that would pay him $3 million over two years. This season, Tomlin has participated in 43 Cavaliers games.

The Cavs have currently filled all of their standard roster spots and now have one two-way slot remaining.Tomlin's transition from a two-way contract to a regular NBA contract formally qualifies him for 2025–2026 postseason minutes. A good shot will also be important. Tomlin has taken calls other than covering the frontcourt void. During a campaign that has been up and down, the Cavaliers have fluctuated in their focus and effort levels.

The newest full-time employee on the roster cannot say that.

Nae’Qwan Tomlin earns standard Cleveland Cavaliers deal after impressive rise from G League journey

Since November, Nae'Qwan Tomlin has been contributing significantly to the Cleveland Cavaliers' play, solidifying his position as a rotation mainstay and an essential backup. He has now received recognition for all of those accomplishments from Koby Altman and the front office.In September 2024, Tomlin signed his first Exhibit-10 contract with the Cavaliers.

In February 2025, Tomlin signed a 10-day contract with the Charge following a successful season in which he averaged 17.2 points and 7.3 rebounds. He subsequently switched to a two-way contract.Shams Charania announced the news on X. The caption read:“The Cleveland Cavaliers are signing two-way forward Nae'Qwan Tomlin to a new two-year, $3 million guaranteed contract, agent Aaron Turner of Verus Basketball tells ESPN. Tomlin has served as a reliable, energetic reserve for the Cavs…”

Everyone knew this was going to be a decision. Tomlin was bound to receive a reward when the Cavaliers moved Lonzo Ball for nothing more than financial flexibility, freeing up a space after the De'Andre Hunter trade briefly bolstered their roster.That's exactly what Altman stated in his press conference after the deadline. Here, Tomlin certainly earned the sense of inevitable. The 25-year-old's breakthrough in the 2025–26 season saved the Cavaliers from a catastrophe.The perfect illustration of how the G-League should operate is Tomlin, a 6'8" forward who didn't begin playing organized basketball until he was a college student. Cleveland found a hidden gem, polished him with the Charge, then allowed him to prove himself.

Nae’Qwan Tomlin’s energy and growth continue to boost Cleveland Cavaliers rotation despite shooting concerns

In September 2024, Tomlin signed his first Exhibit-10 contract with the Cavaliers. In February 2025, Tomlin signed a 10-day contract with the Charge following a successful season in which he averaged 17.2 points and 7.3 rebounds. He subsequently switched to a two-way contract.This season, Tomlin has played 17.1 minutes per game and averaging 6.5 points and 3.1 rebounds. He has produced standout performances, including a windmill dunk and stripping Luka Doncic during Cleveland's victory against the Los Angeles Lakers.

However, he has also contributed less to the Cavaliers' many victories by fulfilling his duties and doing the grunt labor.When the Cavaliers relied on Tomlin for minutes earlier in the season, they soon discovered how helpful he could be. Being a high-motor athlete with a lot of energy and movement, Tomlin made an impression right away. particularly during a period when the team was more deficient in effort than anything else.Right now, Tomlin's shooting percentage from downtown is only 22%. On the perimeter, opponents have started to completely ignore him. Even while he can compensate for some of this by cutting to the hoop, if Tomlin is unable to score corner three-pointers regularly, it will eventually become a deal breaker.