Cavs Allow Riley Minix to Pursue ASVEL Deal in France

Riley Minix is on the verge of finalizing a deal with ASVEL in the French LNB Pro A league. The Cleveland Cavaliers, who hold his NBA contract through next season, are reportedly open to releasing the two-way wing to explore opportunities overseas. Minix has spent the past two seasons with the Cavs and San Antonio Spurs, but has yet to find consistent playing time in the NBA.

Minix, a 6-foot-7 wing, has made a name for himself in the G League. Over 54 games across two seasons, he has averaged 18.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. His shooting splits of 52% from the field, 42% from three-point range, and 82% from the free-throw line highlight his efficiency at the developmental level.

The Cavaliers have not offered Minix a guaranteed contract for the 2025-26 season. His current two-way deal does not obligate Cleveland to retain him beyond that point. This creates a window for Minix to pursue a more stable and lucrative arrangement with ASVEL, one of the top teams in European basketball.

Minix's potential move could provide ASVEL with a versatile forward who has shown the ability to create his own shot and impact the game in multiple ways. For the Cavaliers, releasing Minix would be a low-risk decision with no cap implications. The team would lose a developmental asset but would not face financial consequences.

Minix has yet to play a meaningful role in the NBA, appearing in just 26 games over two seasons with Cleveland and San Antonio. He has averaged 2.1 points and 1.3 rebounds in 6.3 minutes per game at the NBA level. Still, his G League production suggests he has the tools to succeed at a high level.

ASVEL is known for developing American talent and integrating it into a competitive roster. The team has previously signed players like Antonius Cleveland and Tyrese Martin, who have had success in both the NBA and internationally. Minix would fit into that model.

Minix is expected to finalize his decision in the coming days. A formal announcement from ASVEL could come as early as Monday. Cleveland will not stand in the way if the deal is finalized.