With minutes left to work with, the LA Clippers shocked the fans with their second trade of the final hour. This was arguably the biggest, as they eliminated a nagging issue off the bench for a young, talented wing.
Moreover, as reported by a credible source in Shams Charania, the Clippers agreed with the Milwaukee Bucks to send Kevin Porter Jr. for MarJon Beauchamp.
The Los Angeles Clippers are trading Kevin Porter Jr. to the Milwaukee Bucks for MarJon Beauchamp, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 6, 2025
Though Porter Jr. made progress in his performances, he was an issue off the bench due to his fit. He loved to dribble and score as the primary handler, but head coach Tyronn Lue had other players for the job.
With Beauchamp's return, the Clippers have time to allow him to develop. This is the most appropriate route, as he is only 24 years old and has potential that attracts Lue and his staff.
Additionally, with Porter Jr. in Milwaukee, the Clippers’ front office will look for a replacement on the buyout market. They have multiple suitors, and with an open roster spot, executive Lawrence Frank has free rein to negotiate with the player he believes fits best.
Nonetheless, Porter Jr.'s market value was likely low, especially given his inefficient production this season.
The swap of Kevin Porter Jr. for MarJon Beauchamp is a victory in the books of Lawrence Frank and the Clippers’ front office.
Though he will likely spend time in the G-League, the LA Clippers should allow MarJon Beauchamp to develop under their organization. He is in a promising environment with Tyronn Lue as coach and teammates such as Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.
If Beauchamp puts the work in, he will inevitably thrive as a former first-round pick.
This season, he has not been in a specified role for the Milwaukee Bucks. However, last season, he received 12.7 minutes per game in 48 contests. As a result, Beauchamp averaged 4.4 points and 2.1 rebounds, with a field goal percentage of 48.8. He also shot 40.0% from long range on 1.6 attempts.
Through the trade, Kevin Porter Jr. ends up on Milwaukee's bench. He was signed in the offseason to prove himself in the NBA, and although he is talented, the former USC Trojan was too inefficient for Tyronn Lue’s liking.
In fact, Porter Jr. shot 42.3% from the field, 24.5% from three, and 64.5% from the strike.
He was due for a trade, and Lawrence Frank made a good one with Milwaukee on the receiving end.