The Cavaliers went to extremes to help forward Kevin Porter Jr. He pushed them too far.
Cleveland has decided to move on from the troubled and talented player, a person familiar with his standing with the team told The Associated Press on Monday.
The Cavs are shopping Porter around to see if they find can a trade partner before they’ll consider releasing the 2019 first-round draft pick, said the person on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.
Porter has not played this season and only rejoined the team last week after tending to personal issues, which included a legal issue from November. The 20-year-old was in street clothes and on the bench Friday night when the Cavs beat the New York Knicks.
But after the game, Porter reportedly became angry when he learned the Cavs had moved his locker for newly acquired forward Taurean Prince, who came over in the four-team trade with the Brooklyn Nets earlier in the week.
According to reports, Porter had a heated confrontation with general manager Koby Altman.
Following Monday’s practice, during which the Cavs welcomed center Jarrett Allen and Prince on the floor for the first time, coach J.B. Bickerstaff said he was disappointed things didn’t work out with Porter.
“We all want to see Kevin be successful and I still feel that way, so whatever it is that happens in the future for him, I hope nothing but the best for him,” Bickerstaff said. “It’s part of our responsibility as coaches to give everyone our all and try to make the best of every situation and I can say that we did that.”
The Cavs have always been intrigued by Porter’s ability, but his problems off the floor slowed his development and made him a distraction.
