As the NBA changes, the conversation around it evolves. In recent years, there’s been debate about positional responsibilities. For example, the point guard position has changed dramatically.
Point guards used to be distributors. They brought the ball up the floor, identified the first good pass, and made it. Today, the position has changed. Now, point guards are often responsible for scoring.
Does that mean that any scorer can be a point guard? Not necessarily. Look at Kevin Porter Jr. of the Houston Rockets. He’s been running point for this team for three years. This summer, the Rockets signed Fred VanVleet and drafted Amen Thompson. Could they trade Porter Jr. to the Orlando Magic instead?
The Trade Proposal
Houston Rockets receive: F/C Jonathan Isaac, 2025 First-Round Pick (DEN via ORL)
Orlando Magic receive: G/F Kevin Porter Jr.
With that said, Porter Jr. is indicative of the trend toward positionless basketball in the NBA. Throughout his relatively young NBA career, he’s worn several different hats.
As a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Porter Jr. spent a lot of time at the 3. Still, his natural position is probably the 2. In Cleveland, Porter Jr. played the 3 because the Cavaliers had their backcourt of the future. With Darius Garland and Collin Sexton on the roster, there wasn’t room for the talented off-guard.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Kevin Porter Jr., Orlando Magic & Houston Rockets Updates
In fact, that’s what pushed him to the 1 in Houston. When this team drafted Jalen Green, they selected their long-term off-guard – if not their franchise player. Porter Jr. was never going to take priority over Green. Should the Rockets really move on from him altogether?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
Meanwhile, Isaac is a positionless wonder in his own right. This is a player that can play the 4, 5 or 3. Yet, the Rockets aren’t doing this deal with Isaac in mind.
After all, he’s among the most injury-prone players in the NBA. Of course, if Isaac can get healthy, this could be a steal for the Rockets. When he’s available, he’s one of the best defensive players in the league. On the off chance that he gets his body right, the Rockets would win this trade by a landslide.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Kevin Porter Jr., Orlando Magic & Houston Rockets Updates
Let’s assume he doesn’t. In that event, the Rockets are flipping Porter Jr. for an expiring contract and a first-round pick. That’s fair value for them. is it too much for Orlando to give up?
Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal
Let’s talk more about Porter Jr. What type of player is this? Well, he’s among the most efficient catch-and-shoot players in the NBA. That’s the primary reason the Magic are trading for him.
This team lacks spacing. Sure, they’ve got a glut of guards. None of them can match Porter Jr. as a shooter. He’s a better fit than any of their current guards alongside Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Meanwhile, Porter Jr. can also attack closeouts and function as a secondary creator.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Kevin Porter Jr., Orlando Magic & Houston Rockets Updates
Meanwhile, Orlando has a logjam of forwards as well. It feels like this team has evolved past the need for Isaac. If they agree, moving him for a guard that fits their roster makes sense – whether he’s a point guard or not.
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