Cavs Sign Jaylon Tyson To Rookie-Scale Contract

In a move that’s considered a formality, the Cavaliers have signed first-round draft pick Jaylon Tyson to his rookie-scale contract.

Tyson is 6-foot-6 and was selected with the No. 20 overall pick out of California. While not official, he is likely to earn about $3.3 million in his first NBA season, based on rookie-scale projections.

Tyson is viewed as a more polished player with upside (related Dribbles).

“He had to do everything for Cal this year,” said Cavs GM Mike Gansey. “He’s tough, competitive … had a great workout for us. He just fills so many gaps.”

Gansey went on to call Tyson not a great shooter, but a good one. It seems his best offense is driving to the basket. Last season at Cal, he averaged 19.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists. 

He primarily played point guard at Cal, though he’s viewed as a wing-type in the NBA. Tyson’s arrival theoretically helps the Cavs in the event they should lose restricted free agent Isaac Okoro.

“I think the biggest adjustment for him will be playing off the ball,” Gansey said of Tyson. “I wouldn’t call him a great shooter, but he’s a good shooter. He can get downhill, make the right play. I just think he fits with our guys.”

The Cavs made the signing official in a press release.

“Growing up, I was never the most talented, never the most athletic,” Tyson said. “I never made the middle school [team]. I got cut going into my tenth-grade year. I’ve been through a lot. Basketball has taken me through a journey.”