NBA 101

Here’s the new-look Cavs roster after the 2026 NBA trade deadline

The Cleveland Cavaliers were one of the most active teams at the 2026 NBA trade deadline.

Here’s a summary of where things stand for the team with all the dust settled and the deadline passed.

The players the Cavs acquired:

• James Harden
• Emanuel Miller
• Dennis Schröder
• Keon Ellis

The picks and players the Cavs sent out:

• Darius Garland
• Deandre Hunter
• Lonzo Ball
• 2027 2nd (own)

The new, full Cavs roster

1. Evan Mobley
2. Donovan Mitchell
3. James Harden
4. Jarrett Allen
5. Jaylon Tyson
6. Max Strus
7. Keon Ellis
8. Dennis Schröder
9. Sam Merrill
10. Dean Wade
11. Thomas Bryant
12. Larry Nance Jr.
13. Craig Porter Jr.
14. Tyrese Proctor
15. Nae’qwan Tomlin (two-way)
16. Emanuel Miller (two-way)
17. Tristan Enaruna (two-way)

Cavs draft picks remaining

• 2030 1st (own)
• 2031 1st (own)
• 2032 1st (own)

What are your expectations for the new-look Cavs? Are you happy with the trade deadline? Do you think this team can compete for a title this year? Let’s talk about all that and more in the comments below!

Nets reportedly will waive Cam Thomas after trade deadline passes

Sarah Stier via Getty Images

The Brooklyn Nets will reportedly waive guard Cam Thomas after the trade deadline passed, according to ESPN Insider Shams Charania. 

Thomas did not depart with the team before Thursday’s game against the Orlando Magic, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer. Thomas was ruled out for personal reasons. 

Thomas has averaged 15.6 points, 3.1 assists and 1.9 rebounds on 39.9% from the field. Thomas role has also decreased under Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez. He has only started in eight games and has averaged 24.3 minutes per game. The Nets are 13-36. 

This story will continue to be updated.

A&M great Khris Middleton is now a Maverick

It may have taken way longer than Dallas Aggies may have liked, and it may not be for very long, but Texas A&M great Khris Middleton is finally a Dallas Maverick. Middleton was involved in a deal between the Mavericks and Washington Wizards centered around Anthony Davis, and is headed back to the Lone Star State at age 34.

BREAKING: The Dallas Mavericks are trading 10-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis, Jaden Hardy, D’Angelo Russell and Dante Exum to the Washington Wizards for Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Malaki Branham, Marvin Bagley III, 2 first-round picks and 3 second-rounders, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/sfrQQubI5i

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 4, 2026

Middleton is in his 14th NBA season, 12 of which were spend as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks. During his tenure there he was a three-time All Star, and a member of their 2021 NBA Championship squad.

During his time at A&M, he averaged more than 13 points and 5 rebounds each of his final two seasons. He was a good, but not elite, player at A&M, so it’s fair to say that going from a relatively unheralded second-round pick to a three-time All Star with $288 million in career earnings means he vastly surpassed expectations as a pro. He’s been a fantastic ambassador for A&M athletics, and it’s great to have him back in Texas. Though considering that his contract expires at the end of this season, we don’t know how long he’ll stick around.

Terry Rozier Wins Arbitrator Decision, $26.6M Salary Released From Escrow

An arbitrator ruled Monday in favor of Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier in a salary dispute with the NBA that arose following his federal indictment in a gambling investigation. The decision means Rozier’s salary will be released from escrow, sources told ESPN.

The arbitrator determined that under Collective Bargaining Agreement terms, players cannot be placed on unpaid leave except in domestic abuse or child abuse cases. Rozier’s approximately $26.6 million salary for the 2025-26 season had been held in escrow since December.

The Heat and NBA agreed to withhold Rozier’s salary after his October arrest and indictment as part of a federal gambling investigation. Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups was also implicated in the probe.

The National Basketball Players Association appealed the agreement to withhold payment. The union filed the grievance on behalf of Rozier shortly after the escrow arrangement was announced.

“We are pleased with the arbitrator’s ruling and remain committed to ensuring Terry’s due process rights are protected and that he is afforded the presumption of innocence throughout this process,” an NBPA spokesperson said in a statement to ESPN.

Rozier pleaded not guilty to conspiracy charges of wire fraud and money laundering. His attorneys filed a motion to dismiss the case in December, citing government overreach.

Federal prosecutors allege Rozier informed an associate he would remove himself early from a March 2023 game while playing for the Charlotte Hornets. The associate allegedly sold the information to gamblers, who bet more than $200,000 on the under for Rozier’s statistics in that contest.

The government’s response to the dismissal motion is due Monday. ESPN reached out to the NBA for comment but did not receive an immediate response.

Rozier remains on Miami’s roster but has not appeared in any games this season. The Heat have kept him away from team activities since the indictment became public.

The ruling sets a precedent for how the NBA can handle player compensation during ongoing legal proceedings. The decision reinforces CBA protections that limit circumstances under which teams can withhold player salaries.