Cleveland Cavaliers eye rookie Meleek Thomas after standout Summer League showing

Cleveland rookie Meleek Thomas shone in the 2026 NBA Summer League, topping the rookie scoring chart with 85 points over three games and averaging 28.3 points on 50% shooting and 45.8% from three‑point range. His performance gives the Cavaliers a potential low‑cost scoring option as they navigate a crowded payroll that includes LeBron James‑level interest, a locked‑in Donovan Mitchell, a $269 million contract for Evan Mobley and a $28 million deal for Jarrett Allen. Analysts suggest Thomas could earn a four‑year, $9 million contract, possibly starting on a two‑way deal, to bolster bench depth.

The episode also highlighted other Summer League standouts, noted Victor Wembanyama’s contract decisions, and speculated on the Kawhi Leonard trade saga, but Thomas’s breakout was the focal point for Cleveland’s roster planning.