The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin to a new two-year, $3 million guaranteed contract, according to NBA insider Shams Charania, who reported the agreement Tuesday citing agent Aaron Turner of Verus Basketball.
Cleveland currently sits fourth in the East at 33-21 and has won nine of its last 10 games, a stretch that highlights the importance of reliable depth behind its core rotation. Tomlin has appeared in 43 games this season, averaging 6.5 points and 3.1 rebounds in 17.1 minutes while providing mobility at the forward spot.
The extension secures a versatile defender who fits alongside Cleveland’s frontcourt anchored by Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. The 25-year-old’s ability to run the floor and defend multiple positions has allowed the coaching staff to maintain defensive intensity when starters rest.
The Cavaliers are driven by Donovan Mitchell’s 29.0 scoring average and balanced contributions across the roster. In that system, Tomlin’s role centers on energy plays, rebounding and spacing, rather than high-volume scoring.
His shooting profile reflects that complementary role, converting 48.7 percent from the field while limiting turnovers and adding secondary rim protection with 0.7 blocks per contest.
The addition of James Harden at the trade deadline expanded the team’s playmaking options, and keeping rotational pieces like Tomlin under contract helps stabilize lineups during a long regular season. Depth has become a key factor for playoff contenders, especially in a conference where Detroit, New York and Boston occupy the top three seeds.
