Kevin Porter Jr. is still on the hunt for a new squad after the Milwaukee Bucks waived him back in October, but that silence might not last much longer. The Sacramento Kings, currently sitting at a brutal 1-8, are eyeing the veteran guard to fill a massive hole left by Ben Simmons’ torn Achilles. This isn’t just about adding depth, it’s about trying to salvage an early season that’s gone completely sideways.
Sacramento’s Desperate Gamble
NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer are reporting that the Kings are seriously interested in Porter Jr. The need is clearly there, with their season looking like a write-off before November is even over. Losing Simmons before the season even started was a gut punch, and now they’re scrambling for solutions. It’s no secret Sacramento is committing to a rebuild right now, playing for the future, but they still need competent players on the court. However, the Kings aren’t putting all their eggs in one basket. Stein and Fischer also dropped that Gabe Vincent, who somehow went unsigned this offseason, is also on their radar. Porter Jr. put up some seriously good numbers last year, averaging 17.4 points, 7.4 assists, and 5.2 rebounds. Yeah, he only played 38 games, but those are legit stats. Compare that to Vincent, who averaged just 4.4 points across 53 games with the Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks. If Sacramento is looking for a real impact, Porter Jr.’s resume screams louder.
Blazers, Heat, and the Battle for Backcourt Help
So, what happens if the Kings go with Vincent? The rumblings suggest the Portland Trail Blazers and Miami Heat could become prime contenders for Porter Jr.’s services. The Blazers are off to a hot 6-3 start, which is definitely tempting. The catch? Porter Jr. would most likely be coming off the bench, chilling behind superstars Damian Lillard or Ja Morant. That’s a different role than potentially being a key piece for a struggling Kings team.
Then there’s the Miami Heat. With Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the charge, they’re supposed to be contenders. But their 3-6 start? That screams “we need help.” It’s clear as day through these early games that Miami desperately needs another piece in their backcourt rotation. A veteran like Porter Jr., especially with his offensive firepower from last season, could be exactly what they need to right the ship and get back on track. This isn’t just about a player finding a team, it’s about these teams finding the right fit to either turn their season around or bolster their unexpected early success.
The next few days could really shape the backcourt landscape for a few teams. Will Sacramento make a move to try and pull themselves out of the cellar? Or will Porter Jr. land with a contender looking for that extra spark? Keep your eyes peeled, because this story isn’t over yet.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
Leave a Reply