The Cavaliers are signing forward Mfiondu Kabengele for the final nine games following the expiration of his second 10-day contract, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Along with that, Kabengele’s multiyear deal includes non-guaranteed salary for next season and 2022-23, Woj added.
Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff confirmed Kabengele will be sticking around prior to Friday’s home loss to the Wizards.
“I mean, just for us, it was going back to college and what we saw of him there, and what we’ve seen in the short term that he’s been with us,” Bickerstaff told reporters. “He has the ability to space the floor out to 3, but he also brings a physicality to the game. He can bang you on the boards, he challenges shots, and again, just personality-wise, and character-wise, he fits.”
Kabengele, 23, is 6-foot-9 and has appeared in six games with the Cavs, averaging 2.8 points. Prior to coming to Cleveland, he played 23 games for the Clippers this season.
What makes this move interesting is a report that the Cavs intend to bring back big man Anderson Varejao for the final nine games. But the roster is full at the moment, so they will have to cut someone in order to sign Varejao.
“Being able to sign and then take a long look at him, work with him, develop him and see what he can turn into, we’re excited about it,” Bickerstaff said of Kabengele. “You think about his potential coming out. He went to a tough situation where he’s playing behind some vets and things like that, but now we’ve got an opportunity to get our hands on him, and see what we can make of him.”
