Cam Whitmore Cut by Cavaliers, Future in Doubt

The Cleveland Cavaliers plan to waive and stretch forward Cam Whitmore's contract, creating salary cap flexibility to re-sign James Harden . Whitmore, the 20th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, was acquired from the Washington Wizards as part of a five-team sign-and-trade deal that brought Peyton Watson to Cleveland . The 22-year-old forward is set to make $5.46 million this season. By stretching the salary over three years, the Cavaliers will carry approximately $1.8 million in annual cap hits, saving roughly $3.6 million for the current season . The move positions Cleveland to finalize Harden's three-year, $97 million contract with a player option . Whitmore's career has stalled since earning All-Rookie Second Team honors in 2023-24 with averages of 12.3 points and 3.8 rebounds over 47 games . His production declined to 9.4 points in 2024-25 with Houston before being traded to Washington . His 2025-26 season ended prematurely after he was diagnosed with a deep-vein thrombosis blood clot in his right shoulder, a condition he described as "life-threatening" . He averaged 9.2 points in 21 games for the Wizards .