Noam Yaacov Waived by Cleveland Cavaliers Ahead of NBA Season Opener
Israeli point guard Noam Yaacov was waived by the Cleveland Cavaliers ahead of the NBA season opener. He is expected to join the Cleveland Charge in the G League.
Noam Yaacov Released by Cleveland Cavaliers Ahead of NBA Season Opener
Despite high expectations and significant media attention in Israel, Noam Yaacov will not start the NBA season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The franchise announced Sunday that the Israeli point guard, along with three other players—Rashawn Agee, Zach Austin, and Trevon Spillers—was waived as part of the final roster cuts before the regular season tips off.
The decision comes just over a week after Yaacov signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Cavaliers. However, basketball analysts noted from the outset that his chances of making the final 15-man roster were minimal. The strategic plan for the young guard has consistently pointed toward developing him within the organization's G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge, which operates under the leadership of Israeli General Manager Liron Fanan.
Expected Move to the G League and Waiver Process
American sports media outlets emphasized that Yaacov's release came as no surprise. According to NBA.com, parting ways with the guard was the anticipated outcome ever since he put pen to paper on October 9.
"The release of Noam Yaacov was an expected procedural step, with the player now slated to continue his development in the G League," league analysts reported.
Before finalizing his move to the Cleveland Charge, Yaacov must clear the league's waiver wire. If no other NBA franchise claims his contract within the designated 48-hour window, he is expected to clear waivers and join the Charge for the upcoming developmental season. Reports from the United States indicate that all four players waived alongside Yaacov are bound for the G League squad.
Roster Status and Future Outlook
With these final adjustments, the Cavaliers finalized their opening-night roster, carrying 14 players on standard contracts alongside three two-way players. Although Cleveland technically retains one open spot on its standard roster, strict salary cap limitations and the hard cap associated with the first apron prevent the front office from adding a 15th player on a standard deal at this time.
For Noam Yaacov, the path to the world's premier basketball league will temporarily run through the developmental circuit. Impressive performances and consistent growth with the Cleveland Charge will be vital if he hopes to remain on the Cavaliers' radar and eventually earn a call-up to the NBA.
