Kevin Porter Jr. Set to Part Ways with Thunder Following Rockets Trade

Kevin Porter Jr. Set to Part Ways with Thunder Following Rockets Trade

In a surprising move, the Oklahoma City Thunder have agreed to trade Kevin Porter Jr. and a pair of second-round draft picks to the Houston Rockets. The Thunder announced the deal on Tuesday, stating that Porter’s future in the NBA is uncertain due to serious legal issues. As part of the trade, the Thunder will also send Victor Oladipo and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl to Houston.

Porter, who was owed nearly $15.9 million for this season and an additional $1 million guaranteed for next season, will be waived immediately by the Thunder. The Rockets had already informed Porter that he was barred from the team following his arrest on domestic violence charges last month.

The allegations against Porter are deeply troubling, and the Rockets’ general manager, Rafael Stone, made it clear that Porter could not be part of the Houston Rockets once the allegations surfaced. Porter was arrested after an alleged attack on his girlfriend, former WNBA player Kysre Gondrezick, in a New York City hotel room on September 11. While one assault charge against Porter was dropped this week due to insufficient evidence, he still faces a strangulation charge and another assault charge about the alleged incident.

Trade Details:

Thunder receive:

• Kevin Porter Jr.
• 2027 second-round pick (via Wolves)
• 2028 second-round pick (via Bucks)

Rockets receive:

• Victor Oladipo
• Jeremiah Robinson-Earl

The trade not only provides the Thunder with future second-round picks, but it also allows them to part ways with Porter, given the uncertainty surrounding his legal situation. The Rockets, on the other hand, acquired Oladipo and Robinson-Earl, adding depth and talent to their roster.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Kevin Porter Jr. in the NBA. His legal troubles have cast a shadow over his career, and teams may be hesitant to take a chance on him until his legal situation is resolved. For now, the Thunder have decided to waive him, signaling that they are not willing to take on the potential risks associated with his off-court issues.

As the NBA continues to prioritize player conduct and off-court behavior, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the importance of holding players accountable for their actions. The league and its teams must take a strong stance against domestic violence and ensure that players are held to a high standard of behavior both on and off the court.