The Houston Rockets have got a problem. Everyone around the NBA knows it. It feels wrong to discuss the basketball implications of Kevin Porter Jr.’s recent actions. They were abhorrent. At the same time, this front office needs to think about how they’re going to replace him.
Apparently, the organization is looking to trade him. That information has plenty of people asking a question: “who would trade for Kevin Porter Jr.?”. We understand. Here’s the reality: nobody is trading for Porter Jr. His time in the NBA is likely up. On the other hand, teams may be willing to trade for his contract.
After all, it’s uniquely structured. The Rockets built escape mechanisms into Porter Jr.’s contract- in all likelihood, they were anticipating a situation like the current one. If they’re willing to attach some draft capital to his expiring contract, they may be able to find a deal. Here are three that we think they should consider.
Trade No. 1 – Rockets Acquire Evan Fournier From New York Knicks
New York Knicks Receive: G/F Kevin Porter Jr., 2024 Second-Round Pick (HOU(, 2025 Second-Round Pick (NYK via HOU)
Houston Rockets Receive: G/F Evan Fournier
What do the Rockets need? Well, they need shooting. Realistically, if they’re able to move Porter Jr., they should look to replace him directly. An off-guard who can space the floor and provide some ball handling would be an optimal acquisition for the Rockets right now.
Fournier fits the bill. Sure, he’s fallen out of New York’s rotation. The Knicks are squarely in win-now mode, and Fournier’s defensive limitations have kept him off the floor. By contrast, the Rockets are merely trying to fight for a play-in spot. Fournier could be helpful to that end.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Kevin Porter Jr, Houston Rockets & New York Knicks Updates
As for the Knicks, this is a no-brainer. Like any team we’re listing here, they’ll be cutting Porter Jr. expeditiously. Here, they’re turning a player that they don’t seem likely to use anyway into a pair of second-round picks. Should the Rockets aim higher than a player whose team doesn’t intend on playing him anyway?
Trade No. 2 – Rockets Acquire Duncan Robinson From Miami Heat
Miami Heat Receive: G/F Kevin Porter Jr., 2024 Second-Round Pick (HOU(, 2025 Second-Round Pick (NYK via HOU)
Houston Rockets Receive: G/F Duncan Robinson
There’s a meaningful difference between Fournier and Robinson. Fournier is on an expiring deal – and for all intents and purposes, so is Porter Jr. On the other hand, Robinson has a few years left on his deal. Sure. With that said, he’s also, at this point, a better player.
Specifically, Robinson is one of the best shooters in the NBA. That’s crucial to the Rockets. This team added a lot of defense and some playmaking this summer, but they’re lacking shooters. That’s why Porter Jr.’s absence, from a basketball perspective, stands to hurt them. Here, they’re replacing him with an even more reliable floor spacer.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Kevin Porter Jr, Houston Rockets & Miami Heat Updates
Will the Heat want to give him up? That’s a different question. Miami might be happy to get off of his contract, On the other hand, they could miss his floor spacing too badly. In that event, the Rockets will have to turn elsewhere.
Trade No. 3 – Rockets Acquire Buddy Hield From Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers Receive: G/F Kevin Porter Jr., 2025 First-Round Pick (Swap – HOU or BKN)
Houston Rockets Receive: G/F Buddy Hield
This is a risky move for the Rockets. They’d be moving a first-round pick for a player on an expiring contract. On the other hand, this team is distantly looking to win games next year. Hield would help them more than any other player we’ve listed in this article.
After all, he’s the best player we’ve named here. Hield is a more versatile movement shooter than either Fournier or Robinson. He’s also closer to an average defender than a liability. Meanwhile, acquiring Hield now would give the Rockets an inside track on retaining him next summer if they opt to do so. If Hield helps this team take a step forward, he could be inclined to stay on a young team on the rise where he’s got a meaningful role.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Kevin Porter Jr, Houston Rockets & Indiana Pacers Updates
Assuming, of course, that the Indiana Pacers are willing to move him at all. Any team acquiring Porter Jr. risks taking a PR hit. Sure, they’d be immediately cutting him, but the optics will put some people off. That’s how horrible Porter Jr.’s actions were.
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