The Houston Rockets are 10-5 and sit fourth in the Western Conference standings, and Houston is reportedly interested in adding one veteran to enhance its frontcourt: Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr.
Houston Rockets Trade Rumors: Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. is being targeted for his 3-point prowess
Although the Rockets possess the third-best defensive rating (105.5) overall, their offense ranks just 15th through 15 games despite solid performances from Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun.
Houston is also aiming to improve its lackluster perimeter shooting. The Rockets are averaging 32.4% from 3-point range, which ranks 28th in the league. Meanwhile, Porter Jr. is shooting 40.2% from downtown this season.
The Rockets have already been linked to superstars Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, neither is a realistic option for an in-season trade. The Milwaukee Bucks will not trade Antetokounmpo unless he wants out.
Michael Porter Jr. is averaging a career high 2.9 assists per game.
He has just as many assists in the clutch as Nikola Jokic, (6) tied for 4th most in the entire NBA.
MPJ is seeing the floor better than ever in big moments. pic.twitter.com/iBIyITb6ZC
— Ryan Blackburn (@NBABlackburn) November 12, 2024
Phoenix Suns owner and team governor Mat Ishbia also told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Tuesday that he expects Durant to sign a contract extension after the season. Phoenix seems unwilling to move the two-time Finals MVP.
Durant, 36, is currently in the third season of the four-year, $194.21 million contract he signed with the Brooklyn Nets in 2021. He’s making $51.17 million this season and is slated to earn $54.7 million in 2025-26.
Rockets would have an easier time acquiring Porter Jr. than either Kevin Durant or Giannis Antetokounmpo
In other words, the Rockets are more likely to acquire Porter Jr. than Durant or Antetokounmpo. Despite A.J. Griffin’s dead cap money ($230,000), Houston would still be able to add the Nuggets star.
Fadeaway World’s Fran Levia proposed a trade that would send Porter Jr. and Zeke Nnaji to Houston, with the Nuggets adding Jabari Smith Jr. and Dillon Brooks.
Adding Porter Jr. would help transform the Rockets’ mediocre frontcourt. Per ESPN’s Basketball Power Index (BPI), Houston has an 81.2% chance to make the playoffs. They have a 61.5% probability to finish as a top-six seed as well.
Needless to say, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka could really use the 6-foot-10 wing to make a playoff run. If all goes well injuries-wise, perhaps Houston may be able to challenge Golden State or Denver this postseason.
Porter Jr. is owed nearly $115 million from now through 2026-27
Through 13 games (all starts) this season, Porter Jr. is averaging 18.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and career highs of 2.8 assists and 36.5 minutes per contest. Plus, he’s shooting 47.9% from the field and a career-low 67.9% at the free throw line.
Porter Jr., 26, is owed nearly $115 million from now through 2026-27. Per Spotrac, this is part of the five-year, $179.29 million rookie-scale contract he signed with Denver in September 2021.
According to his contract notes, $17 million is fully guaranteed if he earns NBA All-Star in any of the 2021-22 through 2025-26 seasons. The deal is also guaranteed if he wins or receives MVP, DPOY, All-NBA, All-Defense, or an NBA championship.
While the Missouri product has yet to receive an All-Star selection, his championship incentive was hit when the Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat in the 2023 NBA Finals.
The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 6, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET.
