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Olivier Sarr of the Oklahoma City Thunder takes a shot against Maxwell Lewis of the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on March 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have added frontcourt depth by signing Olivier Sarr — the older brother of Washington Wizards‘ 2024 second overall pick Alex Sarr — to a two-way contract, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
To create roster space for the 7-foot center, Cleveland waived guard Darius Brown II.
The move gives the Cavaliers another developmental big man option as they continue managing their frontcourt depth heading into the latter stretch of the NBA season.
Cavaliers Sign Olivier Sarr to Two-Way Deal
Sarr, 27, has spent parts of three seasons in the NBA with the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2021 to 2024. Across 46 career games, he averaged 4.8 points and 3.5 rebounds in 13.8 minutes per contest.
While his NBA opportunities have been limited, Sarr has remained a productive contributor in the G League.
After joining the Toronto Raptors’ training camp roster last fall, he was waived before the regular season began and later joined the Raptors’ G League affiliate, Raptors 905.
In 39 G League appearances this season, Sarr averaged 11.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 23.7 minutes per game.
The Cavaliers are expected to utilize Sarr primarily through their G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge, while keeping him available as emergency depth behind their established frontcourt rotation.
Cleveland’s current center rotation features Jarrett Allen, Evan Mobley and Thomas Bryant.
Olivier Sarr’s Journey to the NBA
Sarr’s path to professional basketball has differed from that of his younger brother, Alex Sarr, who was selected No. 2 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Wizards.
Unlike Alex, Olivier went undrafted before eventually earning NBA opportunities through persistence and strong G League performances.
“I’m definitely proud of our paths,” Olivier told KSR+ in 2023. “It’s just about keeping the main thing the main thing, staying focused throughout the ups and downs and making it to your final goal.”
Alex Sarr has frequently credited his older brother as a major influence on his development as a basketball player.
During the 2024 NBA Draft, the younger Sarr became emotional while discussing Olivier’s mentorship.
“Everything I’ve learned is through him and he gave me all his knowledge,” Alex told ESPN after being selected by Washington. “It’s really special to have someone like him in my corner.”
Brothers Continue to Push Each Other
The relationship between the two brothers remains close even as their careers unfold in different ways.
“I used to watch his games. Just being on the sidelines at his practices. And still, to this day, we talk every day,” Alex told Andscape in 2024. “He gives me advice after my games. I give him feedback after his games. So we just both like pushing each other up.”
That dynamic has helped both players navigate the challenges of professional basketball.
Olivier Sarr Overcame a Major Setback
Sarr’s career has also included significant adversity.
After helping win the 2024 G League championship, the 7-footer revealed he had suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon — the same day he experienced the loss of his grandfather.
In an emotional Instagram message at the time, Sarr described the moment as a difficult turning point.
“Life’s unfair at times but I believe everything happens for a reason,” he wrote. “This day has been an emotional roller coaster. Won the G League finals, ruptured my Achilles and finally lose a soldier: my grandfather.”
Despite the setback, Sarr expressed confidence that he would overcome the challenges.
“This journey is going to be hard but I know myself and I know I have the best people in my corner to support me through it all.”
Cavaliers Add Frontcourt Insurance
For Cleveland, the signing represents a low-risk developmental move that could provide valuable depth if injuries strike their frontcourt rotation.
Sarr will likely spend much of his time with the Cleveland Charge while remaining eligible to join the Cavaliers if needed.
But the signing also adds an intriguing storyline to Cleveland’s roster: the older brother of one of the NBA’s most promising young stars now working his way back toward a larger opportunity in the league.
If Sarr can continue building on his recent G League production, the Cavaliers may have quietly added another intriguing frontcourt option to their organization.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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