​The Cleveland Cavaliers will close out a successful Summer League stint on Friday with their fifth and final game, taking on the Chicago Bulls. Fans have wanted to see the Cavaliers’ recent draft selections in action, and Meleek Thomas has delivered, proving himself to be an efficient, high-volume scorer in this environment. What that translates to in the broader NBA picture remains to be seen, but Summer League success offers a promising starting point as we approach fall training camp.
Thomas did not play in the most recent game and is not expected to participate in this one either. The primary intrigue surrounding this matchup centers on the competition for a two-way contract. Although three players—Tristan Enaruna, Riley Minix, and Ernest Udeh Jr.—currently hold two-way slots, those deals do not count against the salary cap, so roster moves remain possible at any time. Enaruna has missed most of Summer League due to illness, while Minix has struggled to find his shooting touch, averaging 8.3 points per game on a shooting line of .308/.005/.667 across four games. Udeh has demonstrated solid rim protection and rebounding, but his scoring has been a concern, averaging just 4.5 points per game on 40% shooting.
The rough patches for the latter two have opened opportunities for others to stake a claim on the two-way role. It’s also worth noting that Malaki Branham, who has been impressive this summer, is not eligible for a two-way contract due to his four years of NBA service time.
Two-way contract prospects aside, the Cavaliers will look to capitalize on the final game to showcase depth and potential contributors for the upcoming season. On the Bulls’ side, notable players to watch include Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain, Noa Essengue, Jaylin Sellers, and Tobe Awaka, who will aim to demonstrate their ability to make an impression in what could be a pivotal summer showcase.
Event details for the matchup: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Friday, July 17, at 7:00 PM. The game will be broadcast on ESPN, with the Cavs listed as slight favorites at -1.5.
In summary, while this game may not alter the Cavaliers’ long-term plans in a definitive way, it represents an important opportunity for emerging players to leave a lasting impression. Thomas’s strong Summer League performance suggests a bright future, and executives will be watching closely as Enaruna, Minix, and Udeh Jr. attempt to finalize their two-way roles or earn further opportunities this fall. As always, Summer League remains a valuable proving ground—an early indicator of who could contribute as the Cavaliers prepare to transition from summer showcase to training camp and the start of the NBA season.