Cleveland Cavaliers looking to trade or release Kevin Porter Jr., per report

The Cleveland Cavaliers traded up to take Kevin Porter Jr. with the 30th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. And initially, it was a good investment.

During his rookie season, Porter averaged 10.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 50 games for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He shot 44.2 percent from the field and 33.5 percent from 3-point range.

On the heels of a respectable rookie season, Porter seemed poised to have an even greater role in Year 2. Unfortunately, that has not been the case.

For instance, Porter has yet to suit up for the Cavaliers this season due to a myriad of personal reasons. But the story doesn’t end there. Last November, Porter was involved in a single-vehicle accident. Fortunately, the charges were dropped.

A few days after that incident, two women filed a police report stating that they were attacked by the Cavaliers’ second-year shooting guard. Needless to say, it was an eventful offseason for both sides, and for all the wrong reasons.

If those incidents weren’t bad enough, Porter’s recent episode may have all but ended his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Last week, Porter was reportedly upset upon learning that his locker was given to Taurean Prince. Prince was acquired by the Cavaliers as part of last week’s four-team trade.

Per Jason Lloyd and Joe Vardon of The Athletic (subscription required)

Porter, 20, who has not played this season due to personal issues, grew angry when he entered the locker room and realized the team gave his old locker to Taurean Prince, who was acquired in a blockbuster trade Wednesday. 

Sources said Porter, whose locker was moved to the wall where the younger, end-of-bench players reside, began yelling and at one point threw food. Sources said Cavaliers’ general manager Koby Altman came into the locker room and confronted Porter. And the player remained combative with his boss. The Cavs spent the weekend trying to trade him. 

Coach J.B. Bickerstaff heard the commotion in the locker room from his office and came in, shocked and disgusted by what he heard. 

The report goes on to state that the Cavaliers’ brass asked Porter to clean out his locker. Not only that, but that organization attempted to trade him over the weekend as well.

Given the circumstances, the Cavaliers’ actions should not come as a shock to anyone. It’s just unfortunate that Porter will have to resume his NBA career with another ball club following what proved to be a promising rookie campaign.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes