CLEVELAND — It’s official. The Cleveland Cavaliers have traded guard Kevin Porter Jr. to Houston Rockets, General Manager Koby Altman announced Friday.
“After careful and thoughtful evaluation, we made the very difficult and collective decision to make this trade,” said Altman. “Given the culture and environment we have worked to cultivate here in Cleveland, we feel this move is in everyone’s best interest. Kevin has a bright career ahead of him as a professional basketball player and, at his core, is a good person. We wish Kevin and his family well in Houston.”
Porter had a series of issues with the team ranging from an argument in the locker room over a reassigned locker to a weapons charge from a crash in November 2020.
According to reports by The Athletic and BasketballNews.com, in the most recent incident, which proved to be the last straw for the organization, Porter allegedly was involved in a confrontation with general manager Koby Altman after his locker was given to newly acquired Taurean Prince. Porter allegedly began shouting and threw food, according to reports, and escalated to the point where he was screaming about "modern-day slavery."
RELATED: Cavaliers looking to part ways with Porter Jr. after reported confrontation with GM Koby Altman
Porter was arrested in November on weapons charges after he was involved in a crash in Mahoning County. Troopers found a .45-caliber handgun and suspected marijuana inside of the car. Porter was arrested for improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle—a felony— failure to control and misdemeanor possession of marijuana.
RELATED: Cavaliers shooting guard Kevin Porter Jr. arrested on weapons charge in Mahoning County
Porter was the 30th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft by Milwaukee and was acquired by the Cavs in a trade with Detroit on June 26, 2019. He appeared in 50 games, starting in three, with Cleveland last season. He averaged 10 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 0.92 steals.
RELATED: Cavaliers looking to part ways with Porter Jr. after reported confrontation with GM Koby Altman
