Matt Johnson
The Houston Rockets have traded guard Kevin Porter Jr. to the Oklahoma City Thunder following weeks of sustained efforts to move on from the former first-round pick.
Porter Jr., age 23, was arrested in September and charged by the New York Police Department of allegedly assaulting his girlfriend. Houston immediately began exploring ways to move on from the troubled guard, later announcing at the team’s Media Day on Oct. 2 that Porter Jr was barred from being near the team or facility.
- Kevin Porter Jr stats: 19.2 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game, 5.7 assists per game
Related: Kevin Porter Jr refuses plea agreement, one charge dropped
After weeks of being unable to find a suitable trade partner for the USC alum, Porter Jr. is now headed to the Oklahoma City Thunder with multiple draft picks involved.
- Houston Rockets receive: Victor Oladipo, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
- Oklahoma City Thunder receive: Kevin Porter Jr, 2027 2nd (MIN), 2028 2nd (MIL)
As first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Oklahoma City is sending veteran guard Victor Oladipo along with forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl to Houston. Neither player is expected to see significant minutes in the Rockets’ rotation this upcoming season.
Porter Jr. was one of the most productive players on a rebuilding Rockets’ roster last season. He started in 59 games, setting career-highs in scoring (19.2) and rebounding (5.3), nearly averaging 20-5-5 while shooting 44.2 percent from the field.
However, Porter Jr’s arrest might end his NBA career. As Wojnarowski reported, Oklahoma City is immediately waiving him and views this trade as a move to buy additional draft picks for the future.
Related: Alarming new details on arrest of Kevin Porter Jr
By waiving Porter Jr, Oklahoma City is responsible for the $16.9 million guaranteed remaining on his contract. Oladipo, who is headed to Houston, was previously acquired by the Thunder ($9.5 million expiring contract) ine exchange for second-round picks earlier this offseason.
