Philadelphia 76ers: Otto Porter Jr. should be a buyout target

Philadelphia 76ers, Otto Porter Jr. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers, Otto Porter Jr. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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As the NBA trade deadline comes near, not only should the Philadelphia 76ers’ front office be trying to figure out trade targets and potential trades, but also who will potentially be bought out after the trade deadline passes.

Rumored by Kevin O’Conner of The Ringer, there is one former third overall who could get bought out by the Chicago Bulls. I’m of course referring to forward Otto Porter Jr.

It should be noted that O’Conner did write that the Golden State Warriors would be interested in his services. If a Porter Jr. is bought out and doesn’t immediately sign with the Warriors, then the former Georgetown University star should be on the Sixers’ radar in the buyout market.

Porter Jr. makes sense as a buyout target for the Philadelphia 76ers.

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Despite struggling with injuries the last couple of seasons and being grossly overpaid, Porter Jr. is still a very good rotational player when healthy. For his career, he’s averaged 11.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.2 steals, while converting 48.0 percent of his field goals and 40.4 percent of his 3-pointers.

This season has been solid for him despite his health issues. He’s averaging 11.6 points and 6.3 rebounds, while making 44.4 percent of his shots and 40.0 percent of his attempts from downtown when healthy.

He’s a versatile defender at the forward spot and can play both positions on offense. For the 76ers, he can be a versatile defender who can stretch the floor coming off the bench if signed. Philly can sign him for either the mid-level exception or a veterans minimum if he clears waivers.

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Assuming Porter Jr. can regain his health, adding him to the Philadelphia 76ers would significantly upgrade their second unit heading into the postseason.