Kevin Porter Jr. could be the move the Los Angeles Clippers need.

• The Los Angeles Clippers take a chance on Kevin Porter Jr’s immense talent

• The Houston Rockets move Kevin Porter Jr. to create more minutes and touches for their other young players

• The Rockets also add a win-now player since they don’t need to tank during the 2023-24 season

The Los Angeles Clippers have not been able to win a championship during the Kawhi Leonard and Paul George era, despite all the talent that they have had on the roster. This season is the right time for the team to shake things up, and perhaps trading for another difference-making player is the answer to their problems.

The Smart Trade Idea For The Clippers: Kevin Porter Jr.Could Be The Missing PieceRead More

One player that could potentially be available is guard Kevin Porter Jr. The Houston Rockets are a team with a lot of young talent, and they also signed two big-money veterans this summer: Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks. It is hard to see them giving Kevin Porter Jr. big minutes, but perhaps he could get them on the Los Angeles Clippers.

Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Kevin Porter Jr.

Toronto Raptors Receive: Norman Powell, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)

This deal would solve a lot of basketball issues for the Los Angeles Clippers, while also allowing the Houston Rockets to add draft compensation for the future. Here is why this deal could work for both teams.

The Los Angeles Clippers Go All-In By Moving For Zach LaVine

The Los Angeles Clippers haven’t had the best of luck with injuries, and going on the younger side could help them in that regard, as they are one of the oldest teams in the league. Adding a young guard like Kevin Porter Jr. in a good-value deal is the sort of acquisition the team has made in the past, notably adding Bones Hyland for their 2025 and 2028 second-round picks. It makes sense for them to try and get Kevin Porter Jr. while the Rockets have a good amount of talent at his position.

From a basketball standpoint, this trade would allow the Clippers to add a consistent scorer who can be the No. 3 option behind Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Last season, Kevin Porter Jr. had a solid offensive season, averaging 19.2 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and 5.7 APG, with the points and rebounds being a career-high. He also shot 36.6% from 3PT range, and his talent is very clear.

Though the Los Angeles Clippers would have to lose a quality bench scorer in Norman Powell, adding Kevin Porter Jr. would definitely increase their ceiling offensively. He could start in the backcourt with Russell Westbrook, and he would give the team yet another threat that can take advantage of Westbrook’s playmaking ability.

Adding Kevin Porter Jr. would also give the Los Angeles Clippers some insurance for their next era, as Porter Jr. is young enough to be a future piece for the team as well. Overall, there is almost no downside to the Clippers trading for Kevin Porter Jr, especially if they can get him for the right price.

The Houston Rockets Get Another Solid Veteran For The Locker Room And Add A Draft Pick

The Houston Rockets already had Jalen Green on their roster prior to the NBA Draft and free agency, and they ended up adding Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore, and Fred VanVleet. All of those players need the ball in their hands to thrive, and that leaves very few touches for Kevin Porter Jr. on the team. This is the time for the team to try and move him, and this deal from the Los Angeles Clippers could be a good proposition for them.

Adding Norman Powell means that the Houston Rockets will have one of the best sixth men in the league: Powell is a solid two-way player who averaged 17.0 PPG, 2.9 RPG, and 1.8 APG for the Clippers last season. The shooting guard has shown that he is willing to come off the bench as well, and it is unlikely that there will be any drama with him in that regard. Powell is also a championship veteran, and he could help coach Ime Udoka instill a winning culture in Houston alongside Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks.

On top of adding Norman Powell, the Houston Rockets would also be getting a valuable first-round pick from the Los Angeles Clippers. It would convey in 2029, which is likely outside of the Clippers’ contention window.

Overall, this deal for the Houston Rockets serves multiple purposes. They would get solid value for Kevin Porter Jr., while also adding a win-now player and a pick. The Rockets notably have no incentive to lose since their pick in 2024 is owned by the Oklahoma City Thunder, so making another win-now move would be smart on their part.

This Trade Could Change Things For Both Teams In A Tough Western Conference

From both teams’ perspectives, it is easy to see why this deal should be done. For the Los Angeles Clippers, they need to add another player that can help them keep up with teams like the Phoenix Suns and the Denver Nuggets. Kevin Porter Jr. can definitely be a difference-maker for the team offensively, and learning from Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook could help him in his own career.

Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets manage to make a move to address their current positional logjam at both guard positions, while adding a win-now veteran and a good future first-round pick. Even though Kevin Porter Jr. might be a better overall player than Norman Powell, the Houston Rockets could be making a step forward just by moving Kevin Porter Jr. and relying on internal development and their off-season additions.

It remains to be seen if a deal like this ever gets done between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Houston Rockets. It could definitely work out for both sides, and they should absolutely consider it.