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The Cleveland Cavaliers are trying to trade Kevin Porter Jr after an outburst in the locker room.
The Athletic reported Porter argued with Koby Altman after finding his locker had been moved. Taurean Prince took Porter’s old locker. Porter reportedly flew off the handle and even threw food.
Porter is yet to play this season. He was absent from the team until a few days ago because of personal issues. Porter was charged with improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle, failure to control the vehicle and misdemeanour possession of marijuana. All three charges were dismissed, and initial reports of his return to the team were positive.
Prince arrived in the Jarrett Allen trade. Cleveland gave up a future Milwaukee first to acquire Allen and bolstered their wing depth with Prince.
Porter was considered by many as the brightest of the Cavs’ young stars last season. Darius Garland, Isaac Okoro and Collin Sexton have all impressed early on this season – adding Porter to that group was an exciting prospect. It now appears Porter’s future lies elsewhere, though The Athletic’s report claimed the Cavs failed to find a trade for the 2019 30th overall pick over the weekend. It’s possible the Cavs end up releasing Porter, such is the apparent state of his relationship with the franchise.
While there was promise in Porter’s 2019/20 performances, he’s still raw. He’s not a knockdown three-point shooter at just over 33%. The 2.2 assists per game came with nearly as many turnovers. Any team taking on Porter is investing in his potential, and viewing him as a project rather than someone who can help win games in the short-term.
Potential Kevin Porter Jr trades
Contenders will probably not be interested. Now this story has come out, the Cavaliers are not going to be able to get a return of note. Anything more than a second round pick, or maybe two, would be a real surprise. Fairly or otherwise, Porter will quickly be labelled as a difficult player to manage. That drives down his value, and Cleveland’s desire to get rid of him takes away all their leverage in trade talks.
The promise he showed defensively is where the majority of Porter’s value lies. He is already at least an average defender. He’s a special athlete, who can put the ball on the deck and go to the cup. If he becomes a more consistent shooter, there’s a legitimate two-way wing in there. Still only 20, plenty of teams should take a swing on Porter’s upside.
Rebuilders like the Knicks and Timberwolves are obvious options. Minnesota already has young wings in Anthony Edwards and Malik Beasley, but they should be trying to accumulate as much upside as possible. The Knicks don’t need another dodgy shooter, but likewise, they cannot turn down talent at this point.
The Pistons fall into the same category as New York and Minnesota. Although more competitive, the Memphis Grizzlies should be giving Cleveland a call. A defense-first wing would be a great fit next to Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.
Although they have veterans on the wing at the moment, the Chicago Bulls should consider a trade for Porter, too. If they’re building around Zach LaVine and Coby White as their backcourt long-term, they need another defender on the wing to help out Patrick Williams.
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