The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed Akron native Chris Livingston to a two-way contract, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. The 22-year-old forward, drafted 58th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023, joins Cleveland after the Bucks waived him during training camp earlier this month.

Livingston’s new deal allows him to split time between the Cavaliers and their G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge, strengthening Cleveland’s developmental pipeline. At 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds, Livingston adds depth on the wing and provides insurance as the Cavaliers continue to deal with frontcourt injuries, including Jarrett Allen’s ongoing finger issue.

A former Kentucky product, Livingston averaged 6.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 34 games for the Wildcats, shooting 42.9% from the field and 30.5% from three during his only college season. His size, speed, and athleticism were the appealing traits that drew the attention of NBA scouts ahead of the draft.

During his two seasons with Milwaukee, Livingston appeared in 42 regular-season games, averaging 1.3 points and 1.3 rebounds in just over 4.7 minutes per contest. While his NBA production was limited, he made major strides in the G League.

Playing for the Wisconsin Herd, Livingston averaged 18.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 steals in 18 games during the 2024–25 season, shooting 48.5% from the field, 30.1% from beyond the arc, and 82.8% from the free-throw line.

Improvements shown in the G League, along with consistent Summer League production, led to a fully guaranteed one-year deal with the Bucks in July. However, a late roster crunch resulted in his release before the opening night. Cleveland, one of only two teams with an open two-way spot, seized the opportunity to bring the Ohio native home.

Livingston’s two-way salary will be a prorated share of roughly $600,000, half the rookie minimum, and will remain non-guaranteed until January. He joins Luke Travers and Nae’Qwan Tomlin as the Cavaliers’ other two-way players, completing the team’s three-player allotment.