Kevin Porter Jr. deal still makes sense for the Rockets

The Houston Rockets may not have to pay Kevin Porter Jr., but the decision would still be the right one for the team and for the player.

It is still within the best interest of the Rockets and Kevin Porter Jr. to get a deal done as soon as possible.

As much as there may be some question marks about the future for both sides, getting a deal done now would take the pressure off both parties.

The Rockets would do well because it would lock down one of their contributors of the future before his price becomes too difficult to manage. KPJ isn't going to break the bank as it stands, but a great season where he continues to shoot the three as he did at the end of last season could push his tag just out of reach for Houston.

Even if Porter doesn't play all that great during the regular season, his camp still has enough tape to keep the offer competitive. The much more likely outcome for the Rockets is that the price goes up, so acting now could take some of the danger out of the equation without having to spend too much for a guy that could be a starter or a great sixth man.

As for Porter's side, a long-term deal at this point in his career is still much better than most other guys can say. He has been a little up and down during his time in Houston, and while most guys want to bet on themselves to ball out and get that next massive deal, signing something now could ensure a better future than waiting and seeing.

There is no reason to assume that either side wants to break from something that has generally worked well so far, so a deal being on the horizon should surprise no one.

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