The Cleveland Cavaliers still have not struck a deal with center Tristan Thompson but added a big man in Jack Cooley who was signed to a non-guaranteed deal and will have the chance to fight for a roster spot.
Basketball Insiders' Alex Kennedy reported that Cooley's deal with Cleveland is worth $845,059.
Last season, the former member of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish signed two 10-day contracts with the Utah Jazz and played a total of 16 regular season games, averaging 1.7 points and 1.6 rebounds per contest.
When he was not playing for the Jazz, Cooley spent his time with the Idaho Stampede of the National Basketball Association Developmental League (NBA D-League).
After having two 10-day deals with Utah, the team signed him to a multi-year pact but was released last Oct. 13.
Yahoo Sports reported that Cooley will now be competing with Jared Cunningham, Austin Daye, Quinn Cook, and D.J. Stephens for the last two spots in Cleveland's final roster for the 2015–16 season.
The Cavs are still winless in the preseason in six games played. They will have one more game remaining in their schedule and it will be against the Dallas Mavericks.
Cooley has been known for his rebounding skills and will have the chance to prove his worth when they play against Dallas, although it will not be his first stint with the Cavaliers since he played for them in last year's summer league.
The 24-year-old center will be helping the Cavs' frontcourt, which is missing Thompson who has yet to re-sign with the team.
Thompson has not agreed to any deal with Cleveland after his contract requests were turned down by the franchise.
Despite the holdout from 24-year-old Thompson, Cavaliers star LeBron James has been reported to keeping the lines of communication open with the young center.
James and Thompson have the same agent in Rich Paul, who has been talking with the Cavaliers for Thompson's deal before negotiations went south.
