Oct 10, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Zhaire Smith (19) shoots over Atlanta Hawks guard Patty Mills (8) during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Cleveland Cavaliers Release Former NBA 1st-Round Pick

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated 10/16/24

Zhaire Smith most recently played in the NBA during the 2019-20 season when he was a member of the Philadelphia 76ers.

Over the offseason, Smith signed a deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but he has now been waived.

Via Keith Smith of Spotrac on Tuesday: "Today's NBA waivers:

Kendall Brown - IND
Terence Davis - MIL
Skylar Mays - MIN
Isaiah Miller - SAS
Jahlil Okafor - IND (signed and waived today)
Zhaire Smith - CLE"

Today's NBA waivers:

Kendall Brown - IND
Terence Davis - MIL
Skylar Mays - MIN
Isaiah Miller - SAS
Jahlil Okafor - IND (signed and waived today)
Zhaire Smith - CLE
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) October 15, 2024

Smith will likely begin the 2024-25 season in the G League with the Cleveland Charge.

Last year, he averaged 13.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 steals per contest while shooting 54.8% from the field and 41.0% from the three-point range in 32 regular season games with the Charge.

OH MY ZHAIRE SMITH

An absolutely ferocious one-handed slam! @cavs #NBA2KSummerLeague pic.twitter.com/jh1Vfc3lXA
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) July 14, 2024