NBA Notes: Cavs, Jaylon Tyson, Celtics, Paul George, Suns

Cavaliers

The Cavaliers didn’t make sweeping changes this offseason, but that could create opportunities for some of their younger players to take another step.

Dominic Pagura of NBA on SI identified Jaylon Tyson, Nae’Qwan Tomlin and Tyrese Proctor as three candidates for expanded roles in 2026-27.

Tyson is easily the most established of the group. He averaged 13.2 points and 5.1 rebounds in 66 games last season, including 42 starts, and emerged as a legitimate rotation piece during Cleveland’s run to the Eastern Conference finals.

Tomlin could have an opening in a relatively thin frontcourt, while Proctor will attempt to build on a rookie season in which he appeared in 50 games and averaged 5.4 points.

Of course, Cleveland’s roster may not be finished. The Cavs continue to be connected to restricted free agents Peyton Watson and Jonathan Kuminga, and either addition could change the rotation considerably.

Celtics

Paul George may have become something of an afterthought following the trade that sent Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia, but the Celtics believe the 36-year-old still has plenty to offer.

John Karalis of NBA on SI examined how George could fit alongside Jayson Tatum, particularly as a shooter who doesn’t require the ball nearly as much as Brown did.

George shot 39.2 percent from beyond the arc last season and was particularly effective on spot-up opportunities.

“We just think he’s a good fit for how we play,” Celtics president Brad Stevens said. “He’s very smart. He has a good feel for the game.”

The obvious concern is availability. George appeared in only 78 games across his two seasons with Philadelphia, and Boston figures to manage his workload carefully.

In other words, the Celtics don’t need George to replace Brown. They need him healthy when the games matter most.

Suns

The Suns’ decision to waive Haywood Highsmith and re-sign him several days later wasn’t nearly as strange as it initially appeared.

As Brendan Mau of NBA on SI relayed, Spotrac’s Keith Smith explained that Phoenix was able to erase Highsmith’s previous cap figure without taking on dead money because his contract included an injury exclusion.

Highsmith then returned on a non-guaranteed veteran minimum deal carrying a smaller cap hit.

The maneuver saved Phoenix more than $500,000 against the cap and more than $3 million in luxury-tax payments, while also giving the Suns additional flexibility if Highsmith doesn’t make it through the season.

Highsmith appeared in just seven regular-season games for Phoenix last year after dealing with a knee injury.