Kevin Porter Jr. waived by Bucks, but Raptors urged to steer clear due to past
The guard has a history of domestic violence charges and a plea deal, making him an unlikely fit for Toronto.
Kevin Porter Jr. is a free agent after being waived by the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this week. The guard put up strong numbers last season, averaging more than 17 points and seven assists per game. His on-court production would typically make him a target for teams seeking backcourt help, including the Toronto Raptors. His departure from Milwaukee has sparked little public discussion about his next team, however, due to his troubled personal history.
Porter Jr. has a documented history of violence that previously forced him out of the NBA. As early as 2022, there were "ongoing concerns about volatility," according to a report from Brew Hoop. He faced felony charges stemming from accusations of domestic abuse against his then-partner, Kysre Gondrezick. Police alleged she told authorities Porter Jr. struck her in the face multiple times, causing bleeding, and strangled her.
A Manhattan Assistant District Attorney alleged a pattern of abuse in the relationship, an ABC report stated. Gondrezick later denied the attack occurred in an interview with the New York Post. Porter Jr. accepted a plea deal, taking responsibility for misdemeanour assault and harassment. The legal case led to him being traded, waived, and eventually returning to the league with the Clippers and Bucks. Bucks coach Taylor Jenkins described the decision to waive Porter Jr. as a "very difficult decision" made to support other guards on the roster. Jenkins spoke positively about the player in a clip shared by journalist Cameron Ezeir. Milwaukee had recently acquired guard Tyler Herro and also had Ryan Rollins on the roster.
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Some Raptors fans have expressed a desire for a change at point guard, showing discontent with Immanuel Quickley. Analysts argue Porter Jr. should not be considered for the role given his personal conduct. The Raptors' success is built on strong locker room cohesion and a lack of internal tension. The franchise does not typically take on players with significant off-court problems.
Porter Jr. demonstrated behavioural issues early in his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is seen as a potential major disruptor of team chemistry. Following his public legal battle, he is viewed by some as unfit to play for any NBA team, let alone the Raptors. The team's front office will be evaluating potential additions as it pushes for a playoff spot this season. Regardless of the team's needs, Kevin Porter Jr. is not seen as a viable solution.
With files from Raptors HQ and Yahoo Sports