Rashaun Agee, Tre'Von Spillers, Zack Austin and Noam Yaacov are all off the roster as of today, part of a wider wave of Exhibit 10 cuts reported by Hoops Rumors. Cleveland's 17-man group now heads toward the October 22 opener at Philadelphia with Sam Merrill, Nae'Qwan Tomlin and Khalifa Diop all targeting that same date to return from injury.
Who did the Cavaliers just cut?
Four players left the roster today: Rashaun Agee, Tre'Von Spillers, Zack Austin and Noam Yaacov. Spillers barely got a chance to unpack — he'd only joined on October 16. Hoops Rumors grouped the move with Exhibit 10 waives across Denver and Detroit too, the kind of roster paperwork teams clear before the season actually counts.
Does that mean the roster is set?
As it stands, Cleveland's roster runs 17 deep, led by Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, James Harden and Jarrett Allen. Darius Garland isn't on it. Nothing new has been reported beyond these four departures, so call it set for now, until the team says otherwise.
What's going on with Merrill, Tomlin and Diop?
All three are banged up and unconfirmed for the opener: Sam Merrill's dealing with a right elbow issue, Nae'Qwan Tomlin's got a back problem, and Khalifa Diop's nursing his left knee. Every one of them has the same target return date, October 22, which also happens to be opening night.
When do the Cavs actually play a game that counts?
October 22, on the road against the 76ers, airing on ESPN. That's the first of four games listed through October 28, with the Nets, Timberwolves and Wizards following at home. Everything before that, including last week's games against Boston and Orlando, was preseason.
What's the payroll situation after all these cuts?
Cleveland's total payroll sits at $209.0 million, still above the $200.4 million luxury tax line. Agee, Spillers, Austin and Yaacov were never the contracts driving that number — Mitchell and Mobley at $50.1 million apiece are. These four cuts were roster math, not cap relief, and the number barely moved.
Is Darius Garland still on the Cavaliers?
No, he's not on the current roster.
When is the Cavaliers' season opener?
October 22, on the road against the 76ers, airing on ESPN.
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