Cleveland Cavaliers Waive Former Second-Round Pick Luke Travers Amid Roster Overhaul
The Cleveland Cavaliers are in the midst of a roster transformation, and the latest casualty is Luke Travers, their 2022 second-round draft pick. ESPN's Olgun Uluc reported the waiver late Saturday, marking the end of Travers' short-lived NBA journey with the team. This move follows a series of changes, including the trade for De’Andre Hunter in exchange for Dennis Schroder, Keon Ellis, and Emmanuel Miller, as well as the waiver of Chris Livingston and the signing of Tristan Enaruna to a two-way deal.
Background on Luke Travers: From Australian Roots to NBA Aspirations
Luke Travers, a 6'6" forward from Perth, Australia, entered the NBA spotlight when the Cavaliers selected him 56th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. Known for his international pedigree, Travers had already made waves in Australia's National Basketball League (NBL), playing for the Perth Wildcats. His selection was seen as a developmental bet on a versatile wing with strong defensive instincts and rebounding prowess.
Instead of jumping straight to the NBA, Travers opted to continue honing his skills Down Under. Over the next two seasons, he averaged double-digit points and showcased his athleticism in the NBL, earning praise for his energy and court vision. In August 2024, he finally signed a two-way contract with Cleveland, splitting time between the parent club and their G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge. This setup is common for late-round picks, allowing young players to gain professional experience without the immediate pressure of NBA minutes.
Travers' G League Performance: Bright Spots and Persistent Challenges
In the G League this season, Travers showed flashes of potential that justified the Cavs' initial investment. Across 14 games with the Charge, he posted impressive averages of 18.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. His shooting splits were .430 from the field, .284 from three-point range, and .636 from the free-throw line—numbers that highlight his efficiency inside the arc and at the line but reveal a glaring weakness from beyond it.
Defensively, Travers has been a standout. His length and instincts make him a solid team defender, capable of contesting shots and crashing the boards. However, the NBA's faster pace and emphasis on perimeter shooting have been his undoing. Last season in the G League, he shot just 26.2% from three, and this year's 28.4% mark does little to inspire confidence. Without a reliable outside shot or the elite handle and burst to create his own offense, Travers struggled to carve out a consistent role.
His limited NBA exposure—24 games and just 191 total minutes over two seasons—mostly came in garbage time during blowouts. Travers appeared in a handful of regular-season games but never logged meaningful rotation minutes, underscoring the gap between his G League success and NBA readiness.
The Bigger Picture: Cavs' Roster Reshaping and Two-Way Shifts
The waiver of Travers isn't isolated; it's part of a broader strategy to refine Cleveland's depth. The recent trade with the Atlanta Hawks brought in versatile pieces like Schroder for backcourt punch and Miller, a 25-year-old forward who's been lighting it up in the G League. Miller, now on a two-way deal with the Cavs, averaged 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists with the Windy City Bulls, shooting an encouraging 35.4% from three—far better than Travers' mark.
This influx means the Cavs now have Enaruna, Miller, and Nae’Qwan Tomlin filling their two-way slots. Tomlin, in particular, is on the cusp of a standard contract upgrade after exhausting his G League eligibility. With the playoffs looming, Cleveland is prioritizing players who can contribute immediately rather than project developmental talents like Travers.
The Cavs' front office, led by GM Koby Altman, has been aggressive in recent weeks. Waiving Livingston cleared space, and adding Enaruna brings fresh athleticism to the wing. These moves signal a focus on the middle and backend of the roster, ensuring depth without clogging the salary cap. Travers' release, while unfortunate, aligns with this philosophy: bet on proven G League performers over unproven NBA hopefuls.
Implications for the Cavaliers' Depth Chart
Post-waiver, Cleveland's wing rotation remains fluid. Stars like Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley anchor the core, but the bench needs reliability. Miller's arrival could provide that, especially with his three-point stroke addressing a team-wide need (the Cavs rank mid-pack in three-point percentage this season). Schroder adds playmaking, potentially reducing the burden on younger guards.
For fans, this turnover might feel chaotic, but it's calculated. The Cavs sit comfortably in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, and these tweaks could pay dividends come postseason. Travers' departure frees up a two-way spot, allowing more flexibility to scout or promote from within.
What's Next for Luke Travers? Exploring Free Agency Options
At 23 years old, Travers' NBA dream isn't over—far from it. Waived players often land on other rosters, especially if they hit the G League hard. His size, rebounding, and passing could appeal to rebuilding teams or contenders needing bench energy. The NBA waiver wire is buzzing this time of year, and with the trade deadline approaching, Travers might catch the eye of a squad like the Detroit Pistons or Orlando Magic, who value international talent.
Returning to the NBL is another path; Travers thrived there before, and it could serve as a launchpad for another NBA shot. Analysts point to his defensive upside as a selling point—imagine him in a system that emphasizes switching and hustle plays. Improving his three-point shot (perhaps through dedicated offseason work) could be the key to unlocking his potential.
In a league where second-round picks often take years to develop, Travers' story is a reminder of the NBA's ruthlessness. Yet, his G League stats suggest untapped value. As he navigates free agency, all eyes will be on whether he can adapt and find a new home.
Final Thoughts: A Tough but Necessary Cut for Cleveland
The Cavaliers' decision to waive Luke Travers underscores the fine line between potential and production in the NBA. While his journey with Cleveland ends on a sour note, it opens doors for both the team and the player. For Cavs fans, this roster evolution promises a more battle-tested squad heading into the stretch run. Travers, meanwhile, carries the tools to succeed elsewhere—it's now about finding the right fit.
As the NBA landscape shifts, keep an eye on these backend moves; they often define playoff success. Travers' release is just one chapter in a career full of promise.
