CLEVELAND, Ohio — Following the Cavs’ 130-111 dismantling of the Portland Trail Blazers, the Wine and Gold Talk podcast oozed enthusiasm, particularly when discussing Craig Porter Jr.’s masterclass in facilitation.
The third-year guard delivered a jaw-dropping stat line that had everyone asking: is he [Cleveland’s next hidden gem](https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/07/craig-porter-jr-achieved-the-nba-dream-now-hes-fighting-to-keep-it.html) or the perfect trade piece?
Porter Jr. registered a career-high 12 assists, alongside five steals and two blocks — becoming the first NBA player since 1993 to record 10+ assists, 5+ steals, and 2+ blocks off the bench. For a 6-foot-1 guard, these defensive numbers are nearly unprecedented.
As cleveland.com columnist Jimmy Watkins noted, Porter’s facilitation wasn’t flashy but was remarkably effective.
“It’s easy to miss. Like he has 12 assists. You watch him back and none of them are like these puppet master Luka Doncic, I’m controlling the entire defense. It’s just a little poke here into the defense, stick my head in here and draw an extra defender and throw a little pocket pass,” Watkins explained Porter’s presence on the podcast. “It really highlights how creator starved the Cavs are right now.”
What makes this performance particularly intriguing is its timing.
With the trade acquisition of veteran point guard Dennis Schröder, Porter’s role is suddenly in question. The podcast debated whether Porter’s development as an on-ball creator is part of Cleveland’s long-term vision or if his rising stock makes him the perfect sweetener in a potential trade involving Lonzo Ball.
“I think part of the reason the Cavs have been posturing Craig Porter Jr. as an off-ball guy is because Dennis Schröder is on his way. And what else are you going to say because Dennis Schröder is going to have the ball more than Craig Porter Jr. He’s going to play more than Craig Porter Jr.,” Watkins theorized.
Host Ethan Sands specifically highlighted a lineup featuring Porter alongside Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson, Dean Wade and Jarrett Allen as particularly effective. This configuration allowed Porter to showcase his growth as a facilitator while setting up Allen for his career night.
“What could it also look like if the Cavs have to add Craig Porter Jr. as a sweetener to a deal that includes Lonzo Ball? If they don’t want to get rid of one of their few and far between remaining second round picks or the first round pick that they still have?” Sands wondered aloud.
The Cavaliers’ front office now faces a fascinating dilemma. Since going [undrafted, signing a two-way and then being converted](https://www.cleveland.com/cavs/2025/11/the-nba-is-running-out-of-players-like-these-2-cavs-but-contenders-cant-win-without-them.html) to an NBA standard contract in spurts, Porter has demonstrated skills as both a facilitator and defender that far exceed expectations. His development curve suggests his ceiling could be significantly higher than initially projected.
Yet, Porter’s rising value also makes him an attractive trade chip, particularly as the Cavs could look to move Lonzo Ball’s contract before the trade deadline. Adding Porter to such a deal might be the difference between getting stuck with Ball’s salary or successfully completing a trade that further enhances Cleveland’s playoff chances — or gets them closer to under the second apron.
Whatever decision the front office makes, Porter’s performance against Portland has undoubtedly raised his stock. For Cavs fans, the Wine and Gold Talk podcast offered a compelling breakdown of what could be a pivotal moment in determining the franchise’s immediate future.
Want to hear the hosts break down Porter’s historic night in greater detail? The full episode delivers an in-depth analysis of his performance and what it means for the Cavs moving forward.
Listen now and join the conversation about whether Porter Jr. should be untouchable or the perfect trade sweetener as the deadline approaches.
Here’s the podcast for this week: