Cleveland Cavaliers waive Cam Whitmore to manage salary cap

The Cleveland Cavaliers have officially waived forward Cam Whitmore. Whitmore was acquired by the team eight days prior as part of a five-team sign-and-trade deal that brought Peyton Watson to Cleveland.

The decision to release Whitmore is reportedly a strategic move to manage the team’s salary cap. By waiving Whitmore, the Cavaliers aim to move below the first apron hard cap, which provides the financial flexibility necessary to accommodate a new contract for James Harden.

Reports suggest the team may utilize the stretch provision on Whitmore’s salary, which would spread his approximately $5.46 million salary over three seasons, reducing his immediate cap hit to roughly $1.82 million. Following this move, the Cavaliers have 13 active players and will likely look to sign a rookie or an undrafted player, such as Khalifa Diop, to meet the league's minimum roster requirements.