Why Cavs Should Consider Signing Six-Year Veteran Center

With one roster spot left, another option for Cleveland is adding a solid big man.

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After officially waiving Cam Whitmore, the Cavs again have an open roster spot. They made that choice to allow James Harden to collect a few million more, bringing his final deal to 3 years and $97 million.

There are a few different avenues that the team can take. An idea was floated yesterday about Victor Oladipo possibly coming over with that spot, but the backup big man remains a potential position of need. More specifically, a little extra depth. 

There is an available candidate that is a big body who can also bring toughness. Let’s discuss Nick Richards.

Improving as He Goes

With one spot left to fill, the six-year veteran should be considered a real candidate. The Cavs have a need at two positions, and only one standard contract left to give out. Nick Richards didn’t play much at the beginning of his Hornets tenure, but by the end of it, was averaging 10 points, eight rebounds and nearly a block per game. 

The Suns needed a center so they took a flier and he continued to produce decently over there. A trade deadline acquisition by the Bulls last season, Richards averaged nine points and eight rebounds, hitting 52% of his shots over 22 minutes a night over there. Now that he’s once again available, he is worth a consideration.

In a league of floor-spacing becoming the norm, Richards remains as a solid interior threat. He can finish lobs, clean the glass, and serve as a nice backup rim protector. This is not a guy that may get minutes every night, but his motor would be welcome. Of course, the competition for minutes with Thomas Bryant would lead to both guys working just a bit harder too.

At 28 years of age, he’s very serviceable and they can use the veteran minimum to bring him on board.

Worth A Consideration

Koby Altman knows the the Cavs needs are more than anyone else. The way he has handled the 2026 offseason has been something to marvel at. Sure, it was a slow and disappointing beginning, but that’s been more than made up for over these past three days.

Bringing Peyton Watson in and giving him a four-year deal, plus giving James Harden his contract so he can get to work with the squad. Nick Richards would match the blueprint for finding guys willing to get down and dirty and scrap when the situation calls for it.

A player that loved physicality, Richards would indeed be a strong fit in Cleveland. But if they do opt to use the last spot on a wing, nobody would blame them.