NBA Buyout Market: Clippers and Celtics Front Runners in Landing Ex-Warrior

The Jazz’s deadline acquisition in the form of a 30-year-old veteran three-and-D wing is still contemplating his continued stay in Utah. Otto Porter Jr., whom Salt Lake City received in a trade that saw Kelly Olynyk and Ochai Agbaji move to the Raptors, will have to make a decision before March 1 if he plans to play in the postseason.

Currently, his options include continuing with Utah or accepting a contract buyout. With every sign pointing to the latter, many teams have showcased their interest in the Georgetown alum. But there are two frontrunners to land Porter – the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers.

The Celtics have been interested in him since the trade deadline on February 8th. Of course, they weren’t able to agree to a deal, but clearly, they haven’t given up on chasing him. The Celtics are one of the favorites to win the title this season. And with Porter’s wish to make an impact in a contending team, Boston might very well be his next home. Also, the Celtics don’t have to worry about disturbing their current squad to make room for Otto Porter Jr. They can easily add him to their last available spot on the roster.

The Clippers, however, are not so lucky. They would have to waive someone on the team to get Otto a place in the team. But his presence does provide several benefits. To start with, his wing depth and two-way ability will prove to be immensely useful for LA. They can look forward to getting what they hoped to get from P.J. Tucker from Porter.

But for any of this to happen, the man in question has to make his decision known.

Otto Porter Jr. is yet to offer a favorable answer

Since his trade to the Jazz, Otto has returned to his home to consider his options. And with the clock ticking towards final minutes, the 2022 NBA champion will have to make up his mind. Whether he is ready or not. As mentioned above, if he does not provide his decision before March 1, he will be unable to play in the postseason.

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Porter had been a key piece off the bench during the Warriors‘ 2022 title run. But since his trade to Toronto, the Missouri native has struggled to stay healthy. He played only a combined 23 games during his time with the Raptors. But the latest reports suggest that he is fully healthy and ready to play.

Now, all we need to know is his preferred destination.