An NBA team may need to replace a key player. Several factors can put a team in that situation. A player may get injured or suspended. If that player was critical to the team’s success, they must replace them. With that in mind, the Houston Rockets have a key player to replace as soon as possible.
Yes, we’re talking about Kevin Porter Jr. After a brutal incident of domestic assault, his time on the Rockets is done. Frankly, his time in the league is probably done. Porter Jr. has a long history of behavioral issues, and this recent incident should be the nail in the coffin of his NBA career.
It may feel wrong to think about how this impacts the Rockets from a basketball point of view. Yet, it’s something that the Rockets have got to consider. Porter Jr. was supposed to be a critical part of this team’s rotation. Could they replace him with Immanuel Quickley of the New York Knicks?
The Trade Proposal
New York Knicks Receive: G Aaron Holiday, C Boban Marjanovic, 2024 First-Round Pick (BKN via HOU)
Houston Rockets Receive: G Immanuel Quickley
In some respects, Porter Jr. has been a powder keg waiting to explode in Houston. Recently, reports have surfaced about a pattern of bad behavior. Given what we already knew about Porter Jr., this is concerning. Do the Rockets bear some responsibility here?
That’s a difficult question that’s wrought with subjectivity. The Rockets gave this young man a second chance. The Cleveland Cavaliers drafted Porter Jr., and after an incident with a coach, they traded him to the Rockets for pennies on the dollar. Do the Cavaliers bear any responsibility here? They drafted Porter Jr. despite similar accusations being leveled against him in college.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Immanuel Quickley, New York Knicks & Houston Rockets Updates
One thing is clear: the brunt of the blame falls on Porter Jr. himself. This is a young man, but Porter Jr. is an adult. He should be held accountable for his actions, and he will be. Porter Jr. may face prison time, and if he doesn’t, his NBA career remains in jeopardy. Could the Rockets replace him with Quickley?
Why The Houston Rockets Do The Deal
Meanwhile, Porter Jr.’s future with the Rockets was unclear even before this incident. He’s been running point for this team for years, but that wasn’t going to be the case in 2023-24. The Rockets signed Fred VanVleet and drafted Amen Thompson this summer. The plan was to move Porter Jr. off the ball.
Is Quickley the off-ball player they need? It’s a difficult question. Like Porter Jr., Quickley is capable of handling the ball. This is not a catch-and-shoot specialist. At the same time, Quickley isn’t a point guard either. If the Rockets want a more traditional off-guard, this may not be the move. On the other hand, if they like the idea of a floor spacing guard who can create when he’s tasked with the job, Quickley could be a good fit.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Immanuel Quickley, New York Knicks & Houston Rockets Updates
He’s also a better defender than Porter Jr. Parting with Brooklyn’s 2024 first-rounder stings, but the Rockets have an obvious goal of improvement this year. They need a replacement for Porter Jr., and Quickley would help them improve this year – and he’s still young enough to be part of the future. Should the Knicks part with him?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
The Knicks have a dilemma in regards to Quickley. This summer, he’s going to hit restricted free agency. There should be a robust market for Quickley – can the Knicks afford him?
Not necessarily. The Knicks are a win-now team with several significant contracts on the books. Quickley’s deal is likely too large for them to add to their salary sheet. So, moving him for value before they’re forced to pay him is a smart move for the organization.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Immanuel Quickley, New York Knicks & Houston Rockets Updates
After all, the Knicks could use the draft capital. Sure, they’ve got a good collection – but this organization will likely go big game hunting soon. The Knicks have been linked to every superstar that could leave their team in the near future. Adding a first-round pick to their arsenal would help them acquire their next franchise player. If they’re lucky, they won’t have to replace him until he retires.
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