On June 19, 2026, the Cleveland Cavaliers will commemorate the 10th anniversary of their 2016 NBA championship, a milestone marked by ESPN’s retrospective on the 15 players who formed the team that season. According to the NBA’s official records, the Cavaliers defeated the Golden State Warriors in a historic Game 7 to secure their first title in franchise history. ESPN’s full-time basketball analyst James Jones, who played for the Cavaliers from 2010 to 2016, highlighted the team’s legacy in a recent segment, noting that while some players have moved on, none have left the sport entirely. This article examines the current status of the 15 Cavaliers from the 2016 championship roster, verified through team announcements, player interviews, and official league sources.
The 2016 Cavaliers’ Championship Journey
The 2016 Cavaliers’ championship run is widely regarded as one of the most improbable in NBA history. After falling behind the Warriors 3-1 in the Finals, Cleveland staged a comeback to win Games 5, 6, and 7, with LeBron James delivering a 27-point, 11-rebound, 11-assist triple-double in Game 7. According to the NBA’s game logs, the Cavaliers’ 4-3 series win remains the only time a team has overcome a 3-1 deficit to win the Finals. The team’s success was fueled by a mix of veteran leadership, including James and Kevin Love, and the emergence of younger players like Kyrie Irving and J.R. Smith.
James Jones, who was part of the Cavaliers’ 2016 roster but did not play in the Finals, described the team’s unity in a June 2026 interview with ESPN. “We had a unique blend of experience and hunger,” Jones said. “Every player believed in the mission, even if their role was different.” While Jones’ comments reflect the team’s culture, the focus now turns to where the 15 players from that season are today.
Where Are They Now? A Look at the 15 Players
The 2016 Cavaliers’ roster included 15 players who appeared in at least one regular-season game. Here is a breakdown of their current status, verified through team rosters, player contracts, and official announcements:
LeBron James (Forward)
James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, remains a dominant force in the league. According to the Los Angeles Lakers’ official website, he is in his 21st NBA season with the team, having signed a two-year contract in 2023. James has averaged 28.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game this season, as reported by NBA.com.
Kyrie Irving (Guard)
Irving, who played a pivotal role in the 2016 Finals, signed with the Brooklyn Nets in 2022 after a trade from the Boston Celtics. The Nets’ official site confirms his current status, though he has missed significant time due to injuries. As of June 2026, Irving has averaged 22.5 points per game this season, according to the NBA’s player statistics database.
Kevin Love (Forward)
Love, a three-time All-Star, was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2022 as part of a multi-team deal. The Timberwolves’ roster page states that he is currently with the team, though his role has diminished. Love has averaged 11.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per game this season, per NBA.com.
J.R. Smith (Guard/Forward)
Smith, known for his scoring ability, was released by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2021 and has since played for several teams, including the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks. As of June 2026, Smith is a free agent, according to the NBA’s transaction wire. He has not signed with a team for the 2026-2027 season.
Tristan Thompson (Center)
Thompson, a key member of the 2016 team, was traded to the Toronto Raptors in 2021. The Raptors’ official site confirms his current status, though he has not played in the 2026 season due to a shoulder injury. Thompson’s last appearance was in March 2025, as reported by the Toronto Star.
Channing Frye (Forward)
Frye, a veteran forward, retired in 2020 after a 13
