Khalifa Diop has traveled to the United States to undergo a medical examination with the Cleveland Cavaliers as the franchise prepares for a potential roster move ahead of the 2026/27 NBA season, according to reports from Spanish outlets Marca and Eurohoops.net.
The 7-foot-1-inch center, selected by Cleveland with the 39th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, is close to finalizing a move that would bring him from Spanish club Baskonia to the NBA. Baskonia announced on Monday via Twitter that it canceled a scheduled preseason exhibition game against Askatuak Gipuzkoa due to a shortage of available players, with Diop’s departure cited among the reasons by José Luis Martínez of Marca.
Contract Status and Buyout Requirements
Because Diop remains under contract with Baskonia, his transition to the NBA requires financial compensation for the Vitoria-based club, according to Marca. Under NBA rules, the Cavaliers are permitted to pay a buyout of up to $900,000 without incurring salary cap penalties.
If Diop passes his physical and signs a rookie minimum contract, he will occupy a specific financial slot under the league’s salary cap structure. That figure is lower than the tax variance applied to standard rookie free agents, who carry a $2,449,421 charge. This distinction assists the Cavaliers in managing a cap crunch while attempting to fit major player salaries beneath the first-apron hard cap.
On-Court Outlook and Recent Statistics
Diop joined Baskonia in 2023 and has spent recent seasons developing in European competitions. During 28 EuroLeague appearances for the club last season, the Senegalese center averaged 4.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks across 16.8 minutes per game.
Baskonia is reportedly preparing for his permanent departure, pending the final results of his physical examinations in Cleveland.