Rockets Part Ways With Kevin Porter Jr as Ex All-Star Who Was Traded for James Harden Returns to Houston

NBA star Kevin Porter Jr has had a tumultuous past few weeks. He was engulfed in a major controversy recently, which has put his career on the line, and it looks more than likely that he might be out of the NBA, eventually. Playing for the Houston Rockets, Porter Jr put up decent numbers last season. However, his off-court antics have forced the team to make some firm decisions.

As per the latest reports, the 23-year-old is out of the Rockets and has been traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Interestingly, this deal features a 2 time NBA All-Star who is quite familiar with the Rockets fanbase.

Kevin Porter Jr parts ways with the Houston Rockets

The Rockets boasted of having one of the best young cores in the league last season. With youngsters like Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr and Jabari Smith Jr, the Rockets team had a lot of potential. It all went downhill with KPJ’s controversies.

Weeks after this massive revelation, the Rockets have traded the 23-year-old to the Oklahoma City Thunder who will waive him immediately. In return, the Rockets have hit the jackpot.

READ MORE: 141 Days After “Worst Job on the Planet” Remark, “Coach” Nikola Jokic Gets Honest About Coaching: “My Plays Are Amazing…”

Victor Oladipo, who was part of the blockbuster deal that sent James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets, will join the Rockets along with Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. On the other hand, OKC received a 2027 second via Minnesota and a 2028 second via Milwaukee in the deal.

Oladipo, who is a 2-time NBA All-Star and the 2018 Most Improved Player, joined the Miami Heat shortly after joining the Rockets in 2021. However, there is no update about his future after his deal and he might very well play for the Rockets this season.

Oladipo might be the answer to Houston’s problems

Although the Rockets have one of the best young cores in the league, the team lacks experience. For this reason, there were rumors that 2018 MVP James Harden might make a comeback.

While that is still a possibility, Oladipo’s addition improves the team by a lot. He played an integral role coming off the bench in the Miami Heat’s brilliant 2023 NBA finals run. The 31-year-old averaged 10.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists coming off the bench last season. The Rockets might push for a play-in spot this season if they manage to land some more players of quality alongside Oladipo and the youngsters.

WATCH THIS STORY: Watch: Right After Getting 1st Warriors Bucket, Chris Paul Sets Up Stephen Curry in an Astounding Breakaway Play

What are your predictions for the Houston Rockets next season? Let us know in the comments below.