Otto Porter Jr. was traded to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Kelly Olynyk during the trade deadline on February 8. Despite being healthy, the former NBA champion, who has faced injury setbacks in recent years, has returned to his hometown of Charlotte to assess his options. It’s anticipated that he will agree to a contract buyout from Utah, enabling him to seek a new team in the league.
Since his championship win with the Golden State Warriors in 2022, Porter Jr. has struggled to perform at his peak, participating in only 23 games since the 2022-23 season began. Consequently, his value has declined, although he remains a proficient three-point shooter with a career percentage of 39.7. His ability to score off the catch or through movement adds to his appeal.
However, any team signing him at this stage of the season would likely do so for depth rather than offering him a prominent role. Such opportunities typically arise during the offseason or through trades. Nonetheless, several competitive teams are expected to show interest in Porter Jr., considering his potential contribution despite his injury history. At 30 years old, there’s still room for him to showcase his skills if he can maintain his health.
The most feasible path for Porter Jr. currently appears to be accepting a contract buyout and joining a contender. From there, he’ll need to earn minutes within the team’s rotation to prove his worth at the highest level of the game. It won’t be easy, but it’s essential for him to demonstrate his ability to contribute if he intends to remain in the NBA.
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