Porter Jr. trade update: Rockets or send multiple second-round picks The best scenario is to trade for Fournier?
Beijing time on September 15, according to the latest report from Shams, the Rockets are actively contacting a number of teams to discuss a deal for Kevin Porter Jr., and the Rockets hope to send Porter Jr. who is mired in domestic violence by compensating the other party for multiple second-round picks.
"For other teams, they'll be compensated for their draft assets, but of course you have to weigh up trading a player who has been charged multiple charges for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend." Shams said, "The goal of the Rockets is to bring in a player who can help them immediately, who can play right away, and the other side of the trade gets draft assets and has the opportunity to clear space (Porter Jr. only has a one-year contract guarantee). So you'll wait for the league's ban notice, so the contract amount will be reduced, and if he is cut outright, his team will eat 16 million space. Now, regardless of the outcome, Porter Jr.'s Rockets career and even NBA career are coming to an end. ”
Rockets reporter Iko retweeted Shams' report and wrote, "Sources have revealed that the Rockets want to find a solution before training camp begins, whether it's a trade or a cut of Porter Jr. ”
Several media people in the Rockets are also following the incident with Porter Jr. Salary expert David Weiner wrote: "If the Rockets cut Porter Jr. before the regular season, they could keep their core and the Nets' first-round money and have at least $30 million in salary space next season (if they cut Randale, Jeff Green and Tate next year). That's not enough money to bring in a star, but if they choose to go the salary cap route, the number is still very objective. ”
Rockets media person Will said: "I don't expect the Rockets to get much benefit from a potential Porter deal. We demand a team to get a player, only to take a major hit from the media and eat up $16 million in salary in exchange for a second-round pick. I doubt it will happen. The best-case scenario may be to trade for a player like Fournier. I say Fournier because his salary matches, and I know the Knicks don't want him and he doesn't want to be there anymore..."
Fournier played in 27 games last season, averaging 6.1 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists while shooting just 33.7 percent from the field. Fournier's salary is $18.85 million for the 2023-24 season and $19 million for the 2024-25 season (team option). In this World Cup, Fournier averaged 13.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game, shooting 42.9% from the field.
Did the Rockets break up Porter Jr. through a trade or layoffs? Let's wait and see.