Nae'Qwan Tomlin, Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers made a lot of noise at the 2026 trade deadline. They sent out three players, and brought in three new ones. One other move was also made at the tail end of the afternoon that will help them immensely.
Players on two-way contracts are limited to 50 active games in a season, plus are not playoff eligible. Cleveland solidified a roster spot Nae’Qwan Tomlin, nearly up on two-way days, with a standard contract signing this afternoon.
Tomlin has been bringing the energy for the team all season long, and will be able to do as the team needs without any worry about running out of games. A big man that didn’t even play ball in high school, his journey to the association was a unique one.
Tomlin is just the latest in a long line of Cavaliers in recent years to go from being undrafted, to signing a standard deal with the team.
More to come.
Nae’Qwan Tomlin is Latest Cavs Success Project
A leaper and energizer, Nae’Qwan Tomlin has fit right in with the Cavs since signing late last season on a two-way contract. The big man had been tearing it up in the G-League, and then got the opportunity to join the big league club.
Tomlin is one of three current players on his own team to go undrafted, sign a two-way deal in Cleveland, and then work up to a standard deal.
Dean Wade did not get picked out of Kansas State in 2019, but worked his tail off and found his way into the rotation by the end of his second year. During recent playoff runs, the defensive play of the 6’9 forward has ben integral. Wade is now starting in the absence of Evan Mobley. He’s the longest tenured Cavalier, in season seven now.
Another is Craig Porter Jr. Somebody that was also undrafted, he found himself on a two-way deal and starting games as a rookie. It only took until that February to get a four-year deal. Porter even helped them to a victory over the 76ers on National TV. He’s become an integral part of the team’s title hopes in 2025-26.
Since we mentioned the former guys, let’s talk about the last one. Not in the NBA this season, Lamar Stevens emerged as a two-way standout for Cleveland. Just shy of breaking Penn State’s scoring record, he played himself onto the floor during his rookie year. Stevens even had a game-winning dunk against the Hawks during that first campaign.
At the tail end of the regular season of his rookie year, Stevens signed a guaranteed deal.
As you can see, Nae’Qwan Tomlin is special. He’s part of an impressive list in Cleveland.
Tomlin Ready to Keep Chugging
Nae’Qwan Tomlin has been turning heads all season with his play for the Cavaliers. Early-season injuries opened the door for his opportunity, and he just hasn’t looked back.
Since he’s now on a standard deal, too, he’ll be good to play the rest of the way. While Evan Mobley has missed time, he has become the primary backup power forward behind fellow undrafted standout Dean Wade.
Tomlin’s energy has been on display with his full-court sprints. The transition jams. The offensive rebounding ability.
We’ll see what Tomlin can bring for Cleveland the rest of the way. Probably the same type of energy, as exuded above.