The 2025 NBA Finals are winding down, meaning it's only a matter of time before free agency begins. Some Houston Rockets fans are wondering about which of the team's free agents will and won't be re-signed, while other fans are paying attention to offseason rumors surrounding the franchise's former players.
Although some ex-Rockets will likely re-sign with their respective teams, one former Houston guard is reportedly gearing up to test the open market this offseason.
Former Rockets Guard Kevin Porter Jr. Expected to Decline Player Option
On Tuesday, NBA insider Michael Scotto reported that former Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. "is expected to decline his $2.55 million player option for the 2025-26 season." Although the Milwaukee Bucks want "to keep him next season," it's clear the ex-USC Trojan wants to test his worth this summer.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. is expected to decline his $2.55 million player option for the 2025-26 season, sources told @hoopshype. Milwaukee hopes to keep him next season, sources said. He averaged 11.7 points, 3.9 boards and 3.7 assists in 19.9 minutes with Milwaukee pic.twitter.com/Aw5y3wK2ms
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 11, 2025
Rockets fans will remember Porter from the three seasons he played in Houston after being acquired from the Cleveland Cavaliers in January 2021. He showed plenty of offensive upside during his stint, averaging 17.2 points, 6.0 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and .428/.361/.726 shooting splits in 146 games (143 starts).
Unfortunately, Porter's time with the Rockets didn't end on a positive note. He was charged with domestic violence in September 2023, leading to his being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder only to be waived shortly after that. He spent the 2023-24 season overseas before returning to North America last year.
Porter's 2024-25 campaign started with the L.A. Clippers but ended with the Bucks after he was traded before the deadline. Once the dust settled, the Seattle, WA native finished with 10.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals across 75 outings (4 starts), all while shooting 44.9% from the floor and 31.1% from the perimeter.
It'll be interesting to see what type of interest Porter will draw next month. Although he's a solid backcourt presence, his off-court history might be too much for potential suitors to ignore. If that's the case, he might want to think twice about potentially declining his player option.
The controversial former Rockets' fate will become clearer closer to free agency, which begins on Sunday, July 6.