Cavs Part Ways with Kopp, Johnson Before Preseason Finale

In a recent roster shakeup, the Cleveland Cavaliers have officially waived forwards Miller Kopp and Chaney Johnson ahead of their final preseason game, as confirmed by the NBA’s transaction report. This decision comes as the team fine-tunes its lineup in preparation for the upcoming season., according to hoopswire.com

Kopp and Johnson were both signed to Exhibit 10 contracts in late September, with the intention of competing for a place on the Cavaliers’ roster or their G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge. During the preseason, Kopp participated in two games, showcasing his skills, while Johnson saw action in one contest.

Miller Kopp, 26, entered the NBA as an undrafted free agent from Indiana in 2023. Before joining the Cavaliers, he spent two years honing his craft with the Oklahoma City Blue, the G League team affiliated with the Thunder. Known for his shooting prowess, Kopp delivered an impressive performance last season, averaging 12.3 points and 5.4 rebounds, while hitting nearly 42% of his three-point attempts, making him a reliable offensive option.

On the other hand, Chaney Johnson, a 6-foot-7 forward from Auburn, was signed by the Cavaliers shortly after going undrafted this summer. His collegiate career saw him play a pivotal role for the Tigers, who reached the Final Four, averaging 9.1 points and 4.9 rebounds in about 24 minutes per game. While he showed potential, his time in Cleveland was brief.

Sources reported that both players are likely to be considered for the Charge’s roster as the G League season approaches, offering them a chance to continue their professional development. Their waiving leaves the Cavaliers with a total of 18 players on their training camp roster as they gear up for a final preseason matchup against the Detroit Pistons.

This latest move underscores the Cavaliers’ commitment to refining their lineup and ensuring they have the right mix of talent heading into the regular season. With the preseason winding down, the focus will soon shift to establishing a competitive roster capable of making a significant impact in the upcoming NBA campaign.

As the Cavaliers prepare for their final exhibition game, they remain vigilant in their assessment of player performance to solidify their plans for the season ahead. It’s a critical time for the franchise, and every decision will be pivotal as they look to build on their previous successes.