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Cavaliers Sign Khalifa Diop to Standard NBA Contract

The low-cost signing helps Cleveland manage its first-apron hard cap while adding a developmental big man to the Mobley‑Allen frontcourt.

Apr 12, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Moondog waves a flag before the game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Washington Wizards at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • The Cavaliers officially signed Khalifa Diop, a 2022 second-round draft-and-stash pick, with team announcements and multiple outlets reporting the move on Wednesday.
  • Reports say the deal is a four-year contract worth $9.26 million with about $1.36 million fully guaranteed for 2026–27, though the team has not released full financial details.
  • Cleveland pursued Diop partly for salary reasons because a player the team drafted and holds rights to carries a smaller cap and apron charge than signing a veteran minimum free agent.
  • Diop arrives from Baskonia after three seasons in Spain where he averaged roughly 4 points and 4 rebounds in limited EuroLeague minutes and is expected to provide depth behind Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, and Thomas Bryant.
  • Because Diop was under contract in Spain, Baskonia is expected to receive a buyout and the Cavaliers can contribute up to $900,000 toward that payment while using the four-year deal to evaluate his fit over time.