Cleveland Cavaliers Kevin Porter Jr traded to the Houston Rockets

Early yesterday evening news was confirmed that the Cleveland Cavalier’s 2019 first-round draft pick, Kevin Porter Jr, would be traded to the Houston Rockets for a future second-round pick. The pick is heavily protected, meaning there is a chance that it is not likely to actually convey.

At only 20 years of age Porter Jr, averaged 10.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists during a promising rookie year last season. With so much potential on the surface, it looks like the Cavs basically let Porter Jr. go for nothing right? Well, it was really a build-up of multiple things. Although Porter Jr. did show true promise with his performance on the court, it was off the court issues he had that lead to the Cavs ultimately deciding to trade him.

The initial reports from earlier this week of the Cavs looking to trade and or waive Porter Jr. came after an alleged outburst from Porter in the Cavs locker room. The reported “temper tantrum” came as a response to the Cavs acquiring Brooklyn Nets players Jarret Allen and Tauren Prince in part of the James Harden Blockbuster trade. After the trade had been confirmed, it was reported that Porter Jr’s locker was removed from its original spot to a different section of the locker room along with his belongings to make room for incoming Tauren Prince. Porter Jr’s frustration is easily understood as moving someone’s personal belongings, especially in his place of work without telling him, is a sign of disrespect or at least discontent. As rude as the gesture may have been, clearly there was a reason for the lack of hesitation from the Cavs. The Cavs and Porter Jr have had a rocky relationship over the past few months and his outburst in the locker room seemed to be the last straw for the Clevland Cavaliers organization.

The Cavs have done their best to keep the situation with Kevin Porter Jr. in-house until action needed to be taken. The team had granted him time away to hopefully find mental clarity during certain circumstances over these past few months when he had a lot going on. They even told him how they had a specific plan to reintegrate him into the roster when he returned. Unfortunately, it didn’t end up working out for both parties. However, both the Cavs and Porter Jr. want what is best for each other and the trade was the best way to achieve that.

On Monday, Cavs head Coach J.B Bickerstaff said the organization had done it’s best to help Porter, “We all want to see Kevin be successful and I still feel that way, so whatever it is that happens in the future for him, I hope nothing but the best for him,” Bickerstaff said. “It’s part of our responsibility as coaches to give everyone our all and try to make the best of every situation and I can say that we did that.”

The Locker room incident was not Kevin’s first time causing problems for himself within the organization. He was arrested on Nov. 15 after a middle-of-the-night crash when he flipped his Mercedes SUV. He had admitted to having been drinking before driving but when police searched the vehicle they found a handgun and a small amount of Marijuana in the glove compartment. Porter Jr was dismissed of the gun and a small amount of marijuana charges after he was able to prove he was unaware they were there and that they did not belong to him. However, this is still not the situation a 20-year-old NBA player wants to find themself in.

About a month before the incident Porter Jr also showed cause for concern when he posted a black background on his Instagram story where he typed over it, “Do you ever wish to see the end of your time?”. Shortly after finding out, the Cavs organization reached out to Porter Jr. to express their concern. He has since completely deleted his Instagram account. To ease the minds of some of his followers and fans he soon after deleting his Instagram tweeted out, “I’m fine. Been thru my worse times already, can’t get worse than what I already been thru. Love & Thank you.” This post has also been deleted since.

Before this Trade to the Houston Rockets, The Cavaliers picked up a team option on Porter’s contract last month, meaning he is owed $2.13 million for the 2021-22 season. He has another team option for $3.85 million for the 2022-23 season.

So what does this mean for Houston?

This is a strategic pick up for Houston. Kevin Porter Jr. is a first-round draft pick type of talent and can positively impact winning, he just needs to find a place where he can be comfortable and get his mind right simultaneously. For a player to perform at the level they were projected to be, they need to feel supported in all aspects. Houston should be the best fit for him because not only do they have a revamped roster this year, but the Houston coaching staff will give him the support he needs. Rockets Head coach Stephen Silas could just be the type of coach Porter Jr needs. A young black head coach who will provide guidance could really make a difference. It was also reported the Rockets intend to have assistant coach John Lucas, work closely with Porter Jr. on some of his off the court issues. Lucas has experience with both NBA and NFL players helping them overcome struggles away from the sport that was holding them back. The Rockets will be a great fit for this young talent trying to find his way because they are showing they actually want to help him. The Rockets are giving Kevin Porter Jr a new start on a very competitive team in the Western Conference and while giving him the assistance he needs to have success off the court. It will be exciting to see how Porter Jr takes advantage of this new situation. Hopefully, he can get back to giving out buckets soon and his career will keep trending in the right direction!