Cavs trade former first-round pick Kevin Porter Jr. to Rockets

The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to a deal to send Kevin Porter Jr. to the Houston Rockets, the team announced Friday.

Houston sent a future second-round pick in the trade.

This news comes four days after The Athletic reported that Porter Jr. was expected to be traded or released following an outburst Friday in the Cavs locker room.

“Given the culture and environment we have worked to cultivate here in Cleveland, we feel this move is in everyone’s best interest,” Cavs general manager Koby Altman said. “Kevin has a bright career ahead of him as a professional basketball player and, at his core, is a good person.”

Porter Jr., a first-round draft pick in 2019 out of USC, averaged 10 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists with three starts during his rookie season in Cleveland.

He hasn’t appeared in a game yet this season due to personal issues.

What this means for the Rockets

Kelly Iko, Rockets beat writer: Taking a flier on Porter Jr. is a move that has Houston written all over it. For years, the modus operandi of this franchise was to take chances on players whose stock may have fallen for whatever reason, believing that those talents can be amplified in their system.

Porter Jr. is a young, talented player with an emphasis on the young. It was clear after the incident involving him and the Cavs locker room that a change of scenery was best. He'll get a fresh start in Houston and is another intriguing storyline to a Rockets team that isn't lacking in that department.

Are there any concerns with KPJ's exit in Cleveland?

Iko: I don't think so. With young players, it's important to place them in conducive environments and give them the amount of care, love, and patience to develop and spread their wings. This is an underrated reason why John Lucas was promoted to lead assistant — his unique ability to connect with and understand players.

Danuel House is an example of one who has been tethered to Lucas even before the Orlando bubble incident and now Porter Jr. will follow suit. There isn't anything that Lucas hasn't seen in his NBA career and I can assume that he'll take Porter Jr. under his wing almost immediately.

The Rockets offense has sputtered since trading James Harden and their second unit has looked particularly deficient. In a new space — both physically and mentally — perhaps Porter Jr. can kickstart his very young career.

Was this the best move for all parties?

Kelsey Russo, Cavaliers beat writer: It seems to be the best move for the Cavs at this point. While it's a disappointing move because of the potential he showed during his rookie season, it makes sense to move forward with the culture they've been establishing.

For Porter Jr., I don't know. Maybe the change in scenery is the best move for him. The Cavs were helping him address his personal issues before he returned to the court, and he could need that in Houston. I think time will tell if it's the best move for Porter Jr.

(Photo: David Richard / USA Today)