Former Top Pick Cut After Blockbuster Trade

The Cleveland Cavaliers have waived forward Cam Whitmore just hours after acquiring him in a five-team trade. Cleveland utilized the stretch provision on Whitmore's expiring $5.46 million contract for the upcoming season, reducing his cap hit to roughly $1.8 million annually over three years. This maneuver successfully generated approximately $32 million in salary cap flexibility. The team intends to allocate this financial space toward finalizing a contract extension for veteran star James Harden. Whitmore, the 20th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, previously played for the Houston Rockets and Washington Wizards. His previous campaign with Washington was limited to 21 appearances due to a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis. Following his release, Whitmore clears waivers as an unrestricted free agent available to sign with any franchise. The transaction underscores the aggressive financial maneuvering standard across modern professional basketball front offices.