NBA Trade Deadline News: Milwaukee Bucks land Kevin Porter Jr from Los Angeles Clippers in high-risk, high-reward move

The Milwaukee Bucks have made a move just ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring guard Kevin Porter Jr from the Los Angeles Clippers. The trade gives Milwaukee additional depth in the backcourt as they look to strengthen their roster for a deep playoff run.


Kevin Porter Jr has struggled with off-court issues that have overshadowed his potential. His most notorious incident came in September 2023, when he was arrested for assaulting his then-girlfriend, former WNBA player Kysre Gondrezick. In January 2024, he reached a plea agreement for misdemeanor harassment and assault, and as reported by Law Murray of The Athletic, the case remains under investigation.
Following his legal troubles, Porter played for Greek club PAOK BC to finish out the 2023-24 season. Despite the controversy, the Los Angeles Clippers signed him to a two-year minimum deal last summer. According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Porter will receive a $129,245 trade bonus as part of the transaction.



Statistically, Kevin Porter Jr has struggled this season, averaging 9.3 points per game on an inefficient .423/.245/.645 shooting split. He also contributes 3.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists (against 1.9 turnovers), and 1.0 steals in 19.6 minutes per contest.
While his scoring inefficiency raises concerns, the 24-year-old guard still possesses a high upside. However, his on-off numbers with the Los Angeles Clippers reveal a worrying trend—the team was outscored by 1.4 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor, while they outscored opponents by 5.4 points per 100 possessions when he sat.
Despite taking a gamble on Porter, the Milwaukee Bucks managed to hold onto their 2031 first-round pick, preserving a key asset for future trades.


Kevin Porter Jr. has averaged roughly 9.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.0 steals per game in about 19.6 minutes of action this season, according to recent game logs. Although his shooting splits—hovering around 42% from the field and a concerning 24.5% from deep—indicate inefficiencies on offense, his raw athleticism and versatility as a 6‑foot‑4 guard give him considerable upside.
For the Milwaukee Bucks, acquiring Porter offers a low-cost, young asset with the potential to develop into a spark off the bench. In a league known for demanding high efficiency, the Bucks’ coaching staff may be well positioned to help him refine his shot selection and decision-making. His ability to create his own shot and distribute the ball could complement Milwaukee’s established stars by providing energy and depth during limited minutes.
Moreover, his defensive versatility—being able to guard multiple positions—fits into a switch-heavy defensive system, which could help the Bucks manage their opponents better on the perimeter. His contract is also favorable in the context of cap flexibility, enabling the Milwaukee Bucks to experiment with his role while keeping payroll lean.
On the flip side, the Los Angeles Clippers’ decision to move Porter signals a shift away from a player whose on-court impact has been mixed. Advanced metrics from his stint indicate that when he’s on the floor, the Clippers have been outscored slightly compared to when he’s off it . By trading him for MarJon Beauchamp—a player who may fit better with their current system—the Clippers are attempting to address depth issues in the backcourt while also mitigating off-court concerns that have dogged Porter in the past.
Also read: NBA Trade Deadline News: Memphis Grizzlies send Marcus Smart to the Washington Wizards in 3-team deal
Losing a young guard with developmental potential is a cost, but the Los Angeles Clippers appear to be opting for a more stable, immediate fit as they look to retool their roster. This move may also be part of a broader strategy to clear roster space and adjust their salary structure in anticipation of future moves.