Cleveland Cavaliers Announce Decision on 4th-Year Guard Before NBA Draft

The Cleveland Cavaliers are keeping guard Craig Porter Jr. with a fourth-year option ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft. On June 22, Cleveland exercised Porter’s team option, locking the 26-year-old guard under contract for the 2026-27 season. The timing matters because the NBA Draft starts June 23 and runs through June 24, reducing uncertainty for the Cavaliers’ backcourt before draft night. SalarySwish reports the option carries a $2.4 million cap hit for next season. Porter appeared in 64 regular-season games in 2025-26, making three starts, and averaged 4.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting 45.0% from the field. The decision keeps inexpensive depth in place as Cleveland prepares to select near No. 29, with Porter set to become an unrestricted free agent after 2026-27.