CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to convert rookie guard Craig Porter Jr.’s two-way contract into a standard four-year deal, a person familiar with the team’s plans told The Associated Press on Tuesday night.
Porter has been an unexpected contributor this season for the Cavs, who have gone 22-5 since Dec. 16 and moved into the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference. The 23-year-old is averaging 6.5 points in 32 games, including five starts.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team has not yet announced Porter’s new deal.
The Athletic was first to report the Cavs’ intentions.
Despite being undrafted, Porter, who played at Wichita State, has stepped up whenever coach J.B. Bickerstaff has called on him. Porter gave Cleveland needed depth when point guard Darius Garland was out for six weeks with a broken jaw.
Porter has barely played since Garland returned, but he gives Bickerstaff another option and some protection in case of future backcourt injuries. Porter scored a season-high 21 points in a Nov. 19 win over the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets.
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