One NBA writer is proposing that the Boston Celtics acquire Kevin Porter Jr. from the Houston Rockets in a blockbuster trade. Lee Tran of Fadeaway World proposed the following trade idea between the Celtics, Rockets, Dallas Mavericks and Indiana Pacers:
Dallas Mavericks Receive: Buddy Hield, Robert Williams
Boston Celtics Receive: Kevin Porter Jr., 2028 Second-Round Pick (MIA via DAL)
Indiana Pacers Receive: Christian Wood, Payton Pritchard
Houston Rockets Receive: Tim Hardaway Jr., Josh Green
“Even though Porter Jr. isn’t necessarily a top-tier point guard, he is still a starting-level player who has talent and playmaking ability,” Tran wrote in his latest NBA trade column. “This past season, Porter Jr. averaged 19.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game while shooting 36.6% from 3PT range. Perhaps he could become the starting-level point guard that the team needs right now.
“Though the Celtics would have to give up Robert Williams and Payton Pritchard in this deal, that isn’t necessarily a huge loss for the team. They already have Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford on the roster, so Williams’ loss is less impactful, and Pritchard wasn’t necessarily a huge member of the rotation.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Porter Jr., Houston Rockets & Boston Celtics 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.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kevin Porter Jr., Houston Rockets & Boston Celtics Updates
The Rockets have a crowded backcourt with Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green and Amen Thompson in the fold, so Porter Jr. may be expendable. The Celtics, who lost to the Miami Heat in the 2023 Eastern Conference Finals, could benefit from trading for Porter Jr., who is a talented scorer and playmaker.
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