Kevin Porter Jr. has likely played his final game for the Cleveland Cavaliers, following a dramatic locker room outburst.
The incident was the latest in a long line of off-field problems, with reports suggesting the Cavs are even willing to release the small forward if they cannot source a suitable trade. The 20-year-old has not featured in the NBA this season due to personal issues and was angered when he realized that his old locker had been given to Taurean Price.
The Story So Far
According to the Athletic, Porter was asked to move down to the end of the changing room, where the Cavs’ less experienced squad members sit, and he was extremely unhappy. This led to an outburst from the player, in which began shouting and even throwing food at one point.
After this, he then tangled with General Manager Koby Altman, much to the disgust of Coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
This bizarre meltdown comes just months after Porter was charged for the improper handling of a firearm in a vehicle, although those charges were eventually dropped.
Porter’s latest outburst is understood to have taken place on Friday 15 January and the Cavaliers have been trying to trade him ever since. Back in the 2019 Draft, he was taken as the 30th pick in the first round by the Milwaukee Bucks, who soon traded him to Cleveland via the Detroit Pistons.
He came into the league with a good reputation, having starred for the USC Trojans during an eye-catching college career. He went on to enjoy a promising, if inconsistent, first NBA season. Last year he averaged 10.0 points per game, shooting 0.442 from the field and 0.335 from beyond the arc. The left handed Swingman’s best performance came against the Miami Heat, where he posted 30 points, 3 assists, 8 rebounds and 3 steals to inspire his team to a dramatic, overtime comeback.
Damyean Dotson - Porter’s Replacement?
Porter’s indiscretions come at a less than opportune time for the Cavs. Despite possessing a talented rooster, they are currently in the midst of an injury crisis. Darius Garland, Collin Sexton and Matthew Dellavedova are all struggling for fitness, leaving them particularly short in the guard position.
Luckily, recent arrival Damyean Dotson appears well placed to step up to the plate. Picked up from free agency by the Cavs in November, Dotson has been a solid contributor so far, posting similar numbers to Porter last season — albeit with a far less impressive three points percentage.
Which NBA Teams Could Trade for Porter?
With Porter’s Cavs career seemingly at an end, attention now turns to who he might play for next. One team that will be interested in the New York Knicks. After enduring a terrible 2019/2020 season, the Knicks are much improved this time out but still lack a bit of fire offensively. Trading for Porter would be a risk, but it could be one worth taking in the long run.
Elsewhere, the Dallas Mavericks could similarly be a good fit for the prospect. Not only has owner Mark Cuban got a solid track record for getting troublemakers on the straight and narrow, Porter could also provide much needed backup for the incredible Luka Doncic. If the Slovenian star gets injured, Dallas could be in trouble.
