INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- David Nwaba admits this was a stressful summer.

After initially believing he had finally found his home in Chicago, he thinks things worked out even better, landing in a place that's a "perfect fit" for him.

"Thought I was going to stay there for years to come," Nwaba said when asked about his feelings toward the Bulls. "But it's a business. It all worked out, ended up still living the dream of playing in the NBA. Think this is a good opportunity here and just moved past it."

In late June, the Bulls extended a qualifying offer to the defensive-minded wing, making him a restricted free agent. It was an expected move, as the Bulls clearly wanted to hang onto him.

Nwaba, 25, was coming off a quality season and worked his way into Chicago's every night rotation. But two weeks later, the Bulls rescinded the offer -- a necessary move so they could make a few bigger moves. Eventually the Bulls pried Jabari Parker away from Milwaukee and then handed Zach LaVine a huge contract extension.

Chicago's loss is Cleveland's gain.

The Cavaliers' summer focus was about acquiring ascending players. They knew they had to be a scrappy team, one that outworks opponents to make up for lost talent. Nwaba fits that identity.

Former Los Angeles teammate Larry Nance Jr. put in a good word for Nwaba. But it wasn't necessary. The Cavs' front office showed interest in Nwaba early in free agency and recruited him hard after the Bulls reversed course. After meeting with Nwaba in Las Vegas at the end of July, the Cavs got an agreement from him, edging out the Indiana Pacers, who also showed interest.

"Indiana wanted me for two years, but Cleveland seemed like a better fit," Nwaba said. "Young guys as well as veterans on this team so I thought it was a perfect fit and knew I was going to get my opportunity here."

Following the theme of his off-season, the agreement was strange. Nwaba chose the Cavs. That mattered most. But official terms weren't finalized for another few weeks.

Cleveland was hoping to lock him in to a long-term deal -- three or four years would've been nice from their perspective. Only Nwaba -- after averaging 7.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 23.5 minutes with the Bulls -- wasn't looking for that kind of commitment.

"I thought I should prove myself before taking any offer long term," Nwaba said. "I chose the one year and bet on myself."

He's been doing that for years, taking a circuitous route to the NBA. A terrific high school player in California, Nwaba went to Santa Monica College before finishing at Cal Poly. Undrafted in 2016, Nwaba started in the D-League (now G League) and had to claw his way into the NBA through hard work, determination and feisty defense.

That's his plan to get head coach Tyronn's Lue attention and stand out in a crowded backcourt.

"That's how I've been all my life," Nwaba said. "Just looking to stop the best guy on the opposing team and taking that role. Have no issue with it and at the end of the day defense wins games. Take pride in playing defense and I have no issue playing that role."

That mindset was attractive to the Cavs, who are looking to improve on the defensive end after ranking 29th last season. The team is expected to switch more and even though Nwaba said he spent most of his time with the Bulls guarding 1s, 2s and 3s, he believes he is burly enough to hold his own on switches against 4s as well. Seems a lot to ask. But the Cavs think the same.

Given his unique defensive skill set and 7-foot wingspan, Nwaba should be able to get a chance to build on his breakout season with the Bulls and find a permanent role in Lue's rotation.

"Just showcase what I bring to the team," Nwaba said of his approach. "I hope they know, but it's my job to do that. Just looking for the opportunity that I know is there.

"Go out there and play hard. Seems easy, but that's just what I do. Go out there and play hard and don't look for any individual stats. Go out there and compete. I'm sure that's every coach's dream to have players like that."