The Cavaliers intend to refuse Riley Minix from his two-way contract, league sources tell Michael Scott of HoopsHype (Link to Twitter).
The move will open up space for a forward Norchad OmerWorld Health Organization according to reports agreed to join Cleveland in a two-way deal after opting not to move forward on a previous two-way deal with the Timberwolves.
An undrafted free agent out of Morehead State in 2024, Minnix spent his rookie season on a two-way contract with the Spurs before signing a new two-way contract with San Antonio ahead of the 2025-26 season. However, the 6’7″ forward was waived in December and then traded to the Cavaliers in February, signing a two-year, two-way contract with the club.
Minnix has played just 11 games for the Cavs and Spurs since joining the NBA, spending much more time in the G League. In 34 NBAGL games with the Austin Spurs and Cleveland Charge last season, the 26-year-old averaged 18.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.3 steals per game with a strong shooting game. 0.519/0.428/0.800.
Reporting in June suggested that Minix was close to reaching a deal to join French club ASVEL, but that never happened. He remained on his two-way contract with the Cavs through the summer and fall and opened the regular season in Cleveland with one brief appearance for the team last Saturday.
It’s unclear if Minix plans to explore his options overseas now that he’s headed to free agency, or if he’ll stay stateside and possibly head to the G League while he pursues another NBA opportunity.