Both Kevin Porter Jr. and the Houston Rockets are ready to run it back in the long-term picture.
As provided by The Athletic’s Kelly Iko, the two have mutually expressed their intent to ink a contract extension before the 2022-2023 season officially tips-off.
But as Iko opined, the forthcoming basketball year serves as an opportunity for the former SC stand out to prove himself in the franchise, regardless of whether he’ll be extended or not.
“Porter is extension-eligible this offseason, and both sides want to get a deal done before the new campaign kicks off,” Iko pens down. “Regardless of the outcome, this is a prove-it year for the 22-year-old, either validating why Houston was right to give him long-term money or why the Rockets made a mistake not to.”
As a 2019 first-round draftee, Porter Jr. is eligible for a rookie contract extension. Previous reports have also suggested that both sides have desires to ignite an extended collaboration.
After an embattled stay in Cleveland, Porter Jr. found home in Houston after he was shipped by the Cavs to the Rockets in the middle of the 2020-21 campaign. He also established himself as their potential point man of the future.
As such, last season was a testing one for him and the franchise. His outburst against team assistant coach John Lucas III drew flak and criticism.
But looking at their current scenario, it appears that the two are optimistic with each other moving forward. Porter Jr. is part of the club’s ongoing rebuild, who also has a solid chance for them to help in attaining a bright future.
