Israeli Guard Noam Yaacov Signs Non-Guaranteed Deal With Cleveland Cavaliers

Israeli basketball player Noam Yaacov has signed a non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 contract with the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers. This move allows the Cavaliers to potentially promote Yaacov from their G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge, to the main roster if needed. Yaacov recently joined the Charge after a prior commitment to the University of Utah fell through due to NCAA academic ineligibility.

The Exhibit 10 contract is a one-year deal for training camp, paid at NBA minimum wage, with potential additional financial incentives. Its primary purpose is to give teams an opportunity to evaluate players while retaining their rights within the G League system. The contract allows the team to release the player before the regular season without impacting their salary cap. Crucially, the Cavaliers have the option to convert this into a two-way contract before the season begins, which would make the bonus guaranteed.

Last season, Yaacov had a breakout year with Belgian team Oostende, averaging 17.2 points, 6 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. He was the primary ball-handler and playmaker for the team, leading them to the Belgian League finals, where they lost in a decisive Game 5. Prior to his stint in Belgium, the 21-year-old guard played for French team ASVEL, Hapoel Jerusalem, and Hapoel Tel Aviv.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have been a strong team in the Eastern Conference in recent years. Last season, they finished fourth in the East with a 52-30 record and reached the Eastern Conference Finals, where they were swept by the eventual champions. The team features star player Donovan Mitchell and veteran guard James Harden, who recently signed a three-year contract extension worth $97 million.