Khalifa Diop reportedly leaves Baskonia as potential Cavs signing gets serious

Khalifa Diop may indeed be on his way to the Cavaliers. And this time, there’s considerably more than speculation connecting the two.

Diop has left Baskonia’s preseason preparations to undergo a physical as his potential move to the Cavaliers becomes increasingly serious, according to a report out of Spain from El Correo.

The remaining issue could be financial, as Diop remains under contract with Baskonia and an agreement would presumably have to be reached to allow him to leave for the NBA.

This follows a report from NBA insider Jake Fischer that the Cavs intend to use their 14th standard roster spot on a player whose draft rights they own. Fischer specifically identified Diop as the name he’d heard.

So perhaps we’re starting to see that process play out. The Cavs selected Diop with the No. 39 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and have held his rights ever since. He has remained overseas, most recently playing for Baskonia in Spain.

Diop appeared in 28 EuroLeague games last season, averaging 4.0 points and 4.2 rebounds in 16.8 minutes while shooting 69.1 percent from the field.

He’s certainly no stranger to the Cavs, either. When they drafted Diop, president of basketball operations Koby Altman made it clear that the organization intended to keep tabs on his development overseas.

Four years later, the Cavs apparently believe it may finally be time to bring him over.

Nothing is official yet. Diop would still have to clear the necessary hurdles, including the physical and whatever arrangement is required with Baskonia.

But this has clearly moved beyond somebody simply connecting dots. It appears the Cavs and Diop are now working toward actually doing something about it.