Evan Chen (9) STAFF REPORTER
Last week, the Houston Rockets traded away young guard Kevin Porter Jr., along with two 2nd round picks for forward Victor Oladipo and center Jeremiah Robinson-Earl from the Oklahoma Thunder.
The Thunder immediately waived Kevin Porter Jr. and are left to pay his 16.9 million dollar contract for one season. This trade comes a month after Kevin Porter Jr. was reported to have allegedly assaulted his girlfriend, former WNBA player Kysre Gondrezick, Kevin Porter Jr. has pleaded not guilty to the second-degree strangulation charge and third-degree assault charge. The initial charge had been second-degree assault due to the claims that Porter Jr. had fractured Kysre’s neck, however, the charge was dropped due to insufficient evidence.
With Porter Jr. facing these legal issues, it is very unlikely that he will land an NBA job this season. Porter Jr. could face up to 7 years in prison, and if he is found guilty, it is most likely that the 23-year-old’s NBA career is over. The Thunder basically bought two 2nd round picks for 16.9 million dollars and have now compiled an impressive fifteen 1st round picks and twenty-two 2nd round picks in the next 7 years. The Houston Rockets trade away a troubled player and save ~5 million dollars in cap space. They also acquire 2 good-depth pieces in return. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl is only 22 years old and has plenty of space to grow. Victor Oladipo played well last year for the Miami Heat in a bench role, however, his current injury and injury history will likely lead him not to play many games this season.
