The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to sign Auburn guard Chaney Johnson to an Exhibit 10 contract, a move that highlights the team’s ongoing commitment to developing young talent and building depth for the upcoming NBA season. This agreement gives Johnson an opportunity to showcase his skills during training camp and potentially earn a spot on the Cavaliers’ roster or their G League affiliate.
Chaney Johnson, a standout guard from Auburn University, made a name for himself in college basketball with his quickness, defensive intensity, and playmaking ability. During his time at Auburn, Johnson demonstrated his versatility as a combo guard who can facilitate the offense while also creating his own shot. His experience playing at a high level in the SEC prepared him well for the transition to the professional game.
An Exhibit 10 contract is a one-year, minimum salary NBA contract that includes incentives for players to join a team’s G League affiliate if they don’t make the NBA roster out of training camp. The Cavaliers can convert this contract into a two-way deal or waive Johnson and incentivize him to play for their G League team, the Cleveland Charge. This structure allows teams to keep promising players within their system and continue their development in a competitive environment.
For Johnson, this contract is a crucial step toward achieving his dream of playing in the NBA. While he was not drafted in the NBA Draft, the Exhibit 10 deal gives him a pathway to prove his worth and secure a role, whether with the Cavaliers or through the developmental route of the G League. It also provides a financial incentive, as players who sign Exhibit 10 contracts and then spend at least 60 days with the team’s G League affiliate can earn bonuses up to \$50,000.
The Cavaliers have been actively building a young, dynamic roster in recent years, blending draft picks with smart free-agent signings and developmental projects. Adding a player like Johnson fits this strategy perfectly. He brings energy, defensive hustle, and solid fundamentals—traits that NBA teams value highly, especially in a guard who can help on both ends of the floor.
Cleveland’s guard rotation has depth, but there is always room for a player who can earn minutes through effort and consistency. Johnson’s defensive skills and ability to push the pace in transition could catch the coaching staff’s attention during preseason workouts and games. If he impresses, he might earn a spot on the 15-man roster or at least become a key contributor for the Charge, helping the Cavaliers maintain a strong pipeline of talent.
This agreement also reflects the Cavaliers’ broader approach to nurturing talent through the G League. With the Charge located in Cleveland, it’s easier for the organization to closely monitor player progress and call up individuals who show promise. The proximity benefits players like Johnson, allowing them to stay connected with the NBA team’s coaching and training staff.
Overall, Chaney Johnson’s signing to an Exhibit 10 contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers is a positive development for both parties. Johnson gets a vital opportunity to prove himself at the professional level, while the Cavaliers continue to build organizational depth and invest in players who could contribute immediately or develop into valuable assets over time.
The upcoming training camp and preseason will be critical for Johnson to showcase his skills, work ethic, and fit with the Cavaliers’ system. If he can leverage this chance effectively, he could carve out a role in the NBA or solidify himself as a key player in the G League, with the ultimate goal of making a lasting impact in Cleveland’s basketball future.
