Today is June 26, 2026, and there’s quite a buzz surrounding former Florida Gator guard Xaivian Lee. After going undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft, he didn’t waste any time making moves. Lee has officially signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers. For those who might not be familiar, an Exhibit 10 deal is a one-year, non-guaranteed training camp contract that allows NBA teams to invite undrafted free agents to their training camp. It also secures G League rights for the player if they are waived. Pretty smart move, right?
Now, it’s worth mentioning that Lee didn’t get an invitation to the NBA Draft Combine, which is a bummer for any player looking to showcase their skills. However, he did participate in the NBA’s G League Elite Camp, a three-day event where draft prospects can strut their stuff in front of scouts. Unfortunately, Lee wasn’t among the lucky few who made it to the Combine from the Elite Camp. It’s a tough break, but he’s not letting it stop him.
Journey from Ivy League to SEC Champion
Lee’s basketball journey has been a fascinating one. He started off as a standout at Princeton, where he had a smaller role as a true freshman but blossomed into a star over two seasons. By his final year at Princeton, he was averaging a stellar 16.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, earning back-to-back unanimous first-team All-Ivy League selections. After a year in Gainesville with the Gators, he played an integral role in helping the team secure back-to-back No. 1 seeds in the NCAA tournament for the first time in history!
Last season, Lee averaged 11.6 points and led the Gators with 147 assists, starting all 35 games. While his long-range shooting dipped at Florida—he hit just 27% of his three-point attempts—his ability to drive to the basket and play solid defense was impressive. Head Coach Todd Golden praised Lee’s offensive play and his positioning, making it clear that he was a valuable asset to the team. Yet, the postseason didn’t end as they hoped, with an upset loss to No. 9 seed Iowa in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Looking Ahead
After his time in college basketball, Lee aims to carve out a place for himself in the NBA. The Exhibit 10 contract with the Cavaliers gives him a shot at a two-way roster spot, which would allow him to play for both the Cavaliers and their G League affiliate. This opportunity might just be the stepping stone he needs. It’s a tough world out there for undrafted players, but with Lee’s skills and determination, we’re excited to see where his journey takes him next.
For more details on Lee’s transition from the Gators to the NBA, check out the full article here. And if you want to dive deeper into the implications of his signing, you can read additional insights here.