Koby Altman has already made two key additions to the Cleveland Cavaliers roster this summer, bringing in Lonzo Ball and Larry Nance Jr.
However, Kenny Atkinson’s team still looks a little thin in terms of front-court depth. Cleveland still has an open roster spot, so Altman can add another talent if he thinks they can make a positive impact.
According to Sam Amico, who was speaking via HoopsWire’s “330 To Go” podcast, Thomas Bryant is a potential target for the Cavaliers.
“In the Cavs’ search for a backup power forward, center, is Nae’Qwan Tomlin that guy?” Amico said. “There’s interest there, as far as I know, in bigs like Thomas Bryant.”
Bryant is an unrestricted free agent this summer, having seen his one-year deal expire at the end of last season. The veteran big man split his time between the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers last season, playing in a total of 66 regular-season games, averaging 6.5 points and 3.8 rebounds.
Adding Bryant to the Cavaliers’ roster would provide some high-level depth to the front-court rotation. Furthermore, his interior-based game would give the second unit an additional dimension, especially when facing defenses that excel in locking down the perimeter.
Cavaliers Expected to Leave Final Roster Spot Open
According to Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, the Cavaliers are in no rush to fill the final roster spot.
“I just think the Cavs are in no hurry with this kind of situation,” Fedor said via the “Wine and Gold Podcast.” “I think they understand the makeup of this roster, and they understand that guy 14 is really not going to be a consequential member of the Cavs.”
Cleveland is a second-apron luxury tax team. It makes sense that Altman will be looking to curb any potential tax penalties where possible. Therefore, unless the front office believes that a veteran free agent can significantly move the needle, they will likely stand pat with the open roster spot heading into the new season.
Cavaliers Current Additions Should be Enough
In a recent article for ESPN, Kevin Pelton cited the Cavaliers as being the team to beat in the Eastern Conference. The long-time analyst pinpointed the addition of Ball and Nance as potential swing factors in the franchise’s push for a championship.
“We’ll see how much the Cavaliers get from Lonzo Ball, limited to 35 games last season by wrist injuries after 2½ years off the court due to his left knee. Ball was a low-cost pickup for Cleveland to help replace Ty Jerome, lost to help manage the Cavaliers’ sizeable tax bill. So too was bringing back Larry Nance Jr. as a third center. Despite the loss of Jerome, Cleveland looks like the favorite to win the East.”
Atkinson’s roster will come into the new season with a renewed focus. They were eliminated in the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs, despite dominating the regular season. After learning such a tough lesson, the Cavaliers are likely ready to make a big push to contend for a championship.
If Ball can stay healthy, and Nance can play his role, the Cavaliers should have enough talent and depth to emerge as serious threats in the East.
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