Tyrese Proctor Gets Paid: Duke Guard Lands $8.9M Multi-Year Deal with Title-Chasing Cavaliers
Tyrese Proctor may have gone late in the 2025 NBA Draft, but he’s already cashing in like a first-rounder.
The former Duke basketball standout, who played three strong seasons under head coach Jon Scheyer, has officially signed a four-year, $8.9 million deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers — a rare and impressive payday for a second-round pick. According to HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto, the first two years of the contract are fully guaranteed, with a significant partial guarantee in year three and a team option for the fourth.
In an offseason full of surprises, this is one of the boldest moves yet — and a huge statement about how highly Cleveland values the 21-year-old Australian guard.
A Deep Draft Steal with Major Upside
Drafted 49th overall, Proctor was the last of five Duke players selected in this year’s class. But while his name came late on draft night, his impact is expected to arrive early. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 183 pounds, Proctor is a versatile, high-IQ guard who brings elite playmaking, defensive awareness, and a calm floor presence beyond his years.
Last season, Proctor averaged 12.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game as a junior — helping Duke finish the regular season ranked No. 1 in the country. He was named to the All-ACC Third Team and was instrumental in the Blue Devils’ run to the ACC Tournament championship and eventual Final Four appearance. It was Jon Scheyer’s first trip to the national semifinals as Duke’s head coach, and Proctor was the steady hand guiding the offense.
Cavs Making Championship-Level Moves
Cleveland’s decision to lock Proctor into a long-term deal speaks volumes. The Cavs are fresh off a league-best 64-win regular season and are in full championship-or-bust mode. With an already stacked roster featuring All-Stars and veteran leadership, they didn’t need to gamble on youth — yet they chose to invest in Proctor, signaling his potential to grow into a major contributor.
Unlike many second-round picks who sign two-way or non-guaranteed contracts, Proctor’s deal places him directly in the fold. Cleveland confirmed the signing this week and announced that he’ll wear jersey No. 24 as a rookie — a change from the No. 5 he wore throughout his collegiate career at Duke.
Why This Deal Matters
Proctor’s contract is more than a paycheck. It’s a signal to the basketball world that elite college development, a strong work ethic, and consistency can still open doors — even if your name isn’t called early on draft night.
His four-year deal reflects both his long-term ceiling and Cleveland’s belief in what he brings to the table now. With a championship-contending team behind him, a proven college resume, and the chance to learn under elite coaching and mentorship, Proctor is walking into an ideal situation.
It’s a win for the Cavaliers. It’s a win for Proctor. And it’s a major moment for Duke basketball, which continues to produce NBA-ready talent year after year.
What’s Next for Tyrese Proctor?
As the Cavaliers prepare for Summer League and eventually the regular season, all eyes will be on how Proctor fits into the rotation. With his defensive ability, passing vision, and ability to knock down key shots, he could become one of the most valuable second-round pickups in recent memory.
For now, the message is simple: Tyrese Proctor got paid — and he’s ready to prove he’s worth every dollar.
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