Cleveland maintains roster flexibility with Malik Beasley looming

During the last week, Cleveland Cavaliers waived seven players, bringing their roster to 14 before the 2025-26 NBA season.

After allegedly signing the 10th with the team last Fridaywaived Kansas guard Zeke Maio on Saturday, retaining his G League rights. The Cavs did the same Thursday with point guard Darius Brown, who signed a contract midway through the preseason and will return for another year with the Cleveland Charge.

Former Oklahoma City Blue Miller Kopp and Cavs summer league forward Chaney Johnson were the first parts of training camp Monday before the team’s preseason finale against the Detroit Pistons. The next afternoon, the franchise was abandoned former first round pick Killian HayesCleveland State product Tristan Enaruna, and undrafted Baylor big man Norchad Omier. These players will likely be members of the Charge roster.

As it stands on Monday, Wine and Gold will leave a main roster spot open and a two-way contract spot vacant. The Cavs have typically maintained flexibility early in the NBA season, allowing them to patiently scout the market and strike when they find the mold they want.

Originally reported by HoopsHipe Michael Scotto and which was pointed out by our own Brett Siegel at the end of AugustClutchPoints can confirm that Cleveland has inquired about it Malik Beasley. But since he is still under investigation, there is nothing the team can do. Whenever that investigation ends, and if the result goes in Beasley’s favor, that’s a follow-up opportunity.

Looking at a two-way situation, the Cavs bring back Nae’Quan Tomlin and Luke Travers to split time between the big club and the G League. Another place can be filled at any time.

Cleveland is gearing up open the season in just two dayswhen he will travel to New York for a matchup with the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. On Friday, the Wine and Gold will take on the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center before returning to Northeast Ohio for their Sunday matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Spencer Davies has covered the NBA and the Cleveland Cavaliers as an accredited reporter for over a decade. His work has appeared on Basketball News, Bleacher Report, USA Today, FOX Sports, HoopsHipe, CloseUp360, FanSided and Basketball Insiders, among others.