CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Cavaliers re-signed swingman Derrick Williams to a second 10-day contract prior to practice Wednesday.
Williams' initial 10-day contract expired during the All-Star break, and the Cavs waited a few days before renewing his deal. The team wanted Williams' roster spot left open while general manager David Griffin fielded trade opportunities, which could require an extra roster spot to facilitate leading up to the deadline Thursday.
The former No. 2 pick in the 2011 draft averaged 9.8 points and 3.0 rebounds while shooting 60 percent from the field in four games with Cleveland prior to the break.
Cavs star LeBron James already vouched for Williams, telling reporters, "we hope this is a long-term thing" when asked about Williams' future with the team. The 6-foot-8, 240-pound forward's value to Cleveland's rotation increased when Kevin Love underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, which is expected to sideline him six weeks.
It has been an interesting couple of days for Williams. His agent, Rob Pelinka, is in the process of relinquishing all of his clients in order to become the new general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers.