Cavaliers sign Khalifa Diop to fill roster
The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed 2022 second-round pick Khalifa Diop, a Senegalese center who played in Spain, using a first apron exception.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed center Khalifa Diop. The move addresses a specific salary cap constraint the team faced after its sign-and-trade deal for Peyton Watson.
Diop is a 24-year-old, 6-foot-11 center from Senegal. He was originally selected in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft. For the past three seasons, he has played professionally for Baskonia in Spain, competing in both the Liga ACB and the EuroLeague.
Diop's Professional Background
Last season, Diop appeared in 47 total games for Baskonia. He started 38 of those contests. His statistical averages were as follows:
| Statistic | Average |
|---|---|
| Points | 3.8 |
| Rebounds | 4.2 |
| Blocks | 0.7 |
| Minutes | 16.4 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 67% |
His only prior experience with the Cavaliers organization came during the 2023 NBA Summer League. In that brief stint, he played three games, averaging 4 points, 8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 17.4 minutes per game.
Roster and Cap Implications
The signing is directly linked to the Cavaliers' financial situation. The team became hard-capped at the first apron after completing the sign-and-trade for Peyton Watson. To stay under that salary threshold, they needed to add a player with zero years of NBA experience. Diop, despite being a draft pick from 2022, fits that requirement as he has never signed an NBA contract.
Cleveland's main roster is now likely set for the start of the upcoming season. The team has typically carried 14 players into the season, leaving one roster spot open for flexibility ahead of the trade deadline. The report notes there is an outside chance of an additional trade or a player on an unguaranteed contract being waived. Players mentioned with non-guaranteed deals are Mario Hezonja, whose contract guarantees on November 15, 2026, and Craig Porter Jr., whose contract guarantees on January 10, 2027.
Role and Outlook
Diop is not expected to see significant playing time in the immediate future. He projects as the fourth center on the depth chart behind Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley, and Thomas Bryant. However, the report suggests there is upside due to his physical traits. The Cavaliers will see if he can develop and reach his potential within their system. Barring any further roster moves, this group will head into the new year.
