Cavaliers add Malaki Branham to summer league roster

Malaki Branham (Photo: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

LAS VEGAS, NV -- Former Ohio State guard Malaki Branham will suit up for the Cleveland Cavaliers summer league team, as announced by the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

Branham has had an up-and-down professional career since being drafted by the San Antonio Spurs from Ohio State with the 20th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. 

The ex-Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary standout spent three seasons in San Antonio, during which his playing time significantly decreased. He participated in 188 games overall, starting in 61 of them, with no starts in his final season but playing in 47 games, according to ESPN. 

After being traded to the Washington Wizards, he struggled, playing just 28 games and averaging 4.6 points per game. In February 2026, he was traded again, this time to the Charlotte Hornets, but he was eventually waived.

☀️ Your 2026 Cleveland Cavaliers Summer League Roster. #LetEmKnow

FULL RELEASE: https://t.co/gbAc47PAQa pic.twitter.com/rrv0RHytyT

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) July 2, 2026

In March of 2026, he signed with the Cleveland Charge of the NBA G-League. 

Throughout his professional career, Branham faced a considerable number of injuries, ranging from lower back issues to concussions and thumb injuries. 

The addition of Malaki Branham to the Cleveland Cavaliers' summer league roster highlights the team's commitment to his pro playing career. His presence could provide valuable insights and skills that may significantly impact the team's future success.