Cavaliers Confirm Niang Development in Italy, Forego 2025 NBA Roster Spot

The Cleveland Cavaliers experienced a disappointing end to their promising 2024-25 season, falling in the second round of the playoffs after a key injury to Darius Garland. Despite calls for a major roster overhaul, the Cavs have opted to maintain much of their core, re-signing Sam Merrill over Ty Jerome due to Merrill's superior defensive capabilities. However, their offseason moves have been complicated by a limited $1 million traded player exception from the recent Isaac Okoro-Lonzo Ball trade, restricting their ability to acquire additional players via trade. Meanwhile, 2025 second-round draft pick Saliou Niang will not join the Cavaliers this season, instead continuing to develop his skills with Italy's Virtus Bologna, despite showing promise in the summer league. In contrast, the Golden State Warriors have yet to make significant free agency moves and recently missed an opportunity to sign Bradley Beal, who agreed to a modest two-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, sparking criticism of the Warriors' cautious approach amid their win-now window.