The Cavaliers are rewarding forward Nae’Qwan Tomlin for his impressive development and relentless energy by converting his two-way contract into a standard NBA deal.
Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman said on Feb. 5 during a Zoom news conference the development would occur. It came to fruition on Feb. 10. Tomlin is receiving a two-year contract worth $3 million guaranteed, a person familiar with the move confirmed for the Beacon Journal after ESPN first reported the terms. The Cavs announced the deal on Feb. 11.
“Not only is he getting converted, but he’s playing real minutes, and he’s helping us. He’s been a revelation,” Altman said, adding Cleveland’s flurry of moves prior to the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline have paved the way to alter Tomlin’s contractual status.
Nae’Qwan Tomlin’s stats
Tomlin has appeared in 43 Cavs games this season and started two of them. He is averaging 6.5 points on 48.7% shooting from the field (22.4% on 3-pointers), 3.1 rebounds, 1 assist and 17.1 minutes.
After performing well with the NBA G League’s Cleveland Charge last season, Tomlin signed a 10-day contract with the Cavs in February 2025 and a two-way contract with the organization the following month. He appeared in five games with the Cavs last season. Since then, his role has expanded.
What do the Cleveland Cavaliers like about Nae’Qwan Tomlin?
Last month, Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson provided a progress report on Tomlin.
“He’s in that plays-really-hard bucket and, man, it’s just impressive,” Atkinson said. “And then he’s shooting the ball better. He’s got better arc on his shot. Feels more confident. I love how he runs the court, too. Gets us easy baskets. Really good cutter. He’s kind of fitting into that kind of perfect, perfect role-player situation.”
Did Nae’Qwan Tomlin get drafted?
In 2024, Tomlin entered the NBA and appeared in five games with the Cavs’ Summer League team after going undrafted the same year. He played college basketball at Memphis (2023-24), Kansas State (2022-23), Chipola College (2020-22) and Monroe Community College (2019-20). Chipola and Monroe are in the National Junior College Athletic Association.
Did Nae’Qwan Tomlin play high school basketball?
Tomlin is a remarkable success story because he did not play organized basketball in high school. Instead, he played in New York parks. He grew up in Harlem.
“Nae’Qwan Tomlin’s basketball journey has been remarkable, and no one is more deserving of this opportunity,” Altman said in a news release announcing Tomlin’s new deal. “Rising from not playing high school basketball to logging meaningful NBA minutes is a testament to his work ethic. He has earned the conversion of his two-way contract, which speaks directly to the impact he has made on the team with his all-out hustle and resilience.”
Nae’Qwan Tomlin age
Tomlin is 25 years old.
Nae’Qwan Tomlin height, weight
The Cavs list Tomlin as 6 feet, 8 inches and 210 pounds.
Nate Ulrich is the sports columnist of the Akron Beacon Journal and a sports features writer. Nate can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cavs convert Nae’Qwan Tomlin’s 2-way deal into standard contract
Reporting by Nate Ulrich, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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