After being cut by the Cavaliers two days ago, Cam Whitmore cleared waivers on Sunday and is now an unrestricted free agent, according to RealGM’s official NBA transaction log.
Still just 22 years old, Whitmore was considered a potential top-five pick three years ago after spending one college season with Villanova. However, he slipped to No. 20 in the 2023 draft, ultimately landing with the Rockets.
Whitmore played a semi-regular rotation role for Houston as a rookie, averaging 12.3 points and 3.8 rebounds on .454/.359/.679 shooting in 47 games (18.7 minutes per contest). He also put up big numbers in the G League with the Rio Grand Valley Vipers, averaging 26.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.0 APG and 2.1 SPG on .475/.389/.800 shooting in 13 Tip-Off Tournament games (35.0 MPG).
However, Whitmore’s playing time dropped a little in his second season as a Rocket, having averaged 9.4 PPG and 3.0 RPG in 16.2 MPG across 51 appearances, with a shooting line of .444/.355/.750. The Maryland native appeared in 11 games (28.8 MPG) with Rio Grand in year two, averaging 19.3 PPG, 5.5 RPG and 2.6 APG on .503/.407/.700 shooting.
The Wizards took a flier on Whitmore last summer, sending Houston two future second-round picks to acquire the 6’6″ wing. Unfortunately, Whitmore’s first season in the nation’s capital was cut shot, as he was diagnosed with a blood clot in his right shoulder in mid-January. His numbers were similar in a small sample size, averaging 9.2 PPG and 2.8 RPG on .456/.286/.742 shooting in 21 contests (16.9 MPG).
With a crowded wing rotation and no clear minutes for Whitmore, Washington traded the athletic small forward to Cleveland, acquiring Tre Mann and a future second-round pick in the process. The Cavs will reportedly use the stretch provision to spread Whitmore’s $5.46MM contract over the next three seasons.
As a three-year veteran, Whitmore is technically eligible for a two-way contract, though it would be surprising if he’s willing to accept a demotion considering he spent the past three seasons on a rookie scale contract. A one-year prove-it deal seems more likely, but the question is, which teams will pursue him?
We want to know what you think. Where do you think Whitmore will land as an unrestricted free agent? Are there any teams who could use his skill set? Head to the comments to weigh in.
