KEY POINTS

  • Kevin Porter Jr. is possibly headed to the Houston Rockets
  • Houston takes chances on Porter despite his disturbing off-court behavior
  • The Cavs may get future picks in exchange for Porter from the Rockets

The Cleveland Cavalier’s player problem is now passed on to the Houston Rockets.

Reports are surfacing that the Cavs and the Rockets are nearing a deal for Kevin Porter Jr.

According to Shams Charania of the Athletic who cited sources, the two NBA clubs are nearing a deal for the sophomore player. Porter wore out his welcome in Cleveland recently in a locker room spat that general manager Kolby Altman and head coach J.B. Bickerstaff tried to calm down.

But with Porter seemingly out of control, the Cavs had enough of his shenanigans. Players were informed that the 20-year-old was no longer part of the team following the incident.

Cleveland had already planned to trade or waive the 6-foot-4 player who has yet to play a single minute this 2020-21 season.

It was an unfortunate end for Porter who showed promise under Bickerstaff’s watch. He did not start the NBA season, begging off due to personal reasons. He was in civilian clothes when the Cavs faced the Knicks, but things just got ugly from there.

As told in a previous post, Porter went off when he found his locker room spot moved to an auxiliary area. His original spot was given to Taurean Prince.

This was where things got out of hand. Porter started to yell and even threw food at one point.

The future did not look bright for Porter at first with other NBA teams unlikely willing to take a chance on the troubled player.

Before that, Porter was also embroiled in a single-vehicle accident this past November. A loaded gun and packet of marijuana were found in the glove compartment of his car, but all charges were dismissed.

It remains unclear what the Rockets will send to the Cavaliers for Porter. The deal could be given a future protected second-round pick, but this needs clarification, ESPN reported.

Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Cleveland Cavaliers speaks to Kevin Porter Jr. #4 and Collin Sexton #2 during the first half at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Cleveland Cavaliers speaks to Kevin Porter Jr. #4 and Collin Sexton #2 during the first half at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse Getty Images | Jason Miller

If the deal is sealed, it will be interesting how Porter will fit in with the struggling Rockets. Houston is trying to pick up the pieces following the exit of James Harden and Russell Westbrook.

Houston is in a bit of a rebuilding situation right now, but based on Porter’s issues outside the court, the impending new relationship should be interesting to watch.

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