Cavs exercise team option on Craig Porter Jr

Craig Porter Jr. presumably will be back with the Cavaliers next season.

The team announced Monday that it has exercised its fourth-year option on the reserve guard, ensuring he’ll remain under contract through the 2026-27 season.

It’s hardly a surprising move.

Porter has become a trusted part of the Cavs’ depth chart since arriving as an undrafted free agent out of Wichita State in 2023. While his role has fluctuated at times, he has consistently provided energy, defense and playmaking whenever called upon.

Last season, Porter appeared in a career-high 64 games, averaging 4.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists in nearly 18 minutes a night.

Those numbers don’t jump off the page. His impact often does.

Porter has shown an ability to steady the second unit, push the pace and make plays for teammates. He’s also proven capable of stepping into a larger role when injuries hit.

One of his best performances came in a November win over the Heat, when he finished with 19 points, nine assists, four rebounds, four blocks and three steals. As relayed by the Cavaliers, he became the first player in franchise history to post those numbers in a single game.

Not bad for a guy who wasn’t drafted.

Since entering the league, Porter has appeared in 166 games with Cleveland, carving out a niche as one of the organization’s better developmental success stories.

Now he’ll get at least one more season to continue building on it.

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