One NBA writer is proposing that the Los Angeles Clippers acquire Kevin Porter Jr. from the Houston Rockets.
Lee Tran of Fadeaway World proposed that the Clippers trade Norman Powell and a first-round pick in 2029 to the Rockets for Porter Jr.
“From both teams’ perspectives, it is easy to see why this deal should be done,” Tran wrote. “For the Clippers, they need to add another player that can help them keep up with teams like the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets. Porter Jr. can definitely be a difference-maker for the team offensively, and learning from Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook could help him in his own career.
“Meanwhile, the Rockets manage to make a move to address their current positional logjam at both guard positions while adding a win-now veteran and a good future first-round pick. Even though Porter Jr. might be a better overall player than Powell, the Rockets could be making a step forward just by moving Porter Jr. and relying on internal development and their off-season additions.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Porter Jr., Houston Rockets & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Porter Jr. appeared in 59 games for the Rockets last season. He averaged 19.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists while shooting 44.2% from the field, 36.6% from beyond the arc and 78.4% from the free-throw line. The lefty recorded nine double-doubles and one triple-double.
The 23-year-old Porter Jr. has career NBA averages of 15.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Rockets. He signed a four-year, $63.4 million rookie-scale extension with Houston in October 2022. Porter Jr. will make $15.9 million next season.
The Rockets have a crowded backcourt with Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green and Amen Thompson in the fold, so Porter Jr. may be expendable. The Clippers could benefit from trading for Porter Jr., who is a talented scorer and playmaker.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Porter Jr., Houston Rockets & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
It will be fascinating to see if Los Angeles and Houston talk to each other about a possible trade, especially since Powell is considered available for trade across the league, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
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