NBA Rumors: 2 Teams Emerge As Frontrunners For Ex-Champion Free Agent

There are still some useful players on the buyout market around the NBA, and one thing every team can use is shooting. So it makes sense that there'll be some clubs sniffing around on former world champion Otto Porter Jr., who is likely to be bought out by the Utah Jazz.

According to some recent rumors making the rounds, there are two teams to keep our eyes on as being frontrunners for landing the services of the 30-year-old Porter:

Boston Celtics

"Boston has been weighing various options who could deepen the Celtics’ bench, according to league sources,” reported Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. “Boston will likely be limited to adding pieces through its $6.25 million traded-player exception with which the Celtics could bring on a veteran target such as Otto Porter Jr., sources said.”

Porter had signed a 2-year, $12.3 million free agent deal with the Toronto Raptors in the summer of 2022. 

But when Porter signed that free agent contract with Toronto, he had turned down a potential return to the team with which he had just won the NBA title. And that's our next potential landing spot for the 6'8" forward.

Golden State Warriors

"I played against Toronto a lot being in Washington D.C., and love the city. My wife is from here. It just makes sense," was Porter's explanation for leaving the Warriors for the Raptors two summers ago. But would he like to return to the team with which he won a ring?

"It was a tough decision. But I’m locked in with those guys for life. We had an unbelievable year," Porter said about the Warriors. Steph & Co. could use a little more depth shooting off the bench, and it wouldn't be surprising to see Porter return to Golden State. 

The Dubs still have one roster spot remaining after converting Lester Quinones from a two-way contract to a standard deal.

Photo: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports