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Former Toronto Raptors Jontay Porter and Pascal Siakam push on Anthony Davis.
Former Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter is preparing to return to professional basketball next month — not by preference, but by legal necessity — after a federal judge blocked his attempt to resume his career overseas while he awaits sentencing in a high-profile gambling case.
Court Ruling Forces Ex-Raptors Forward Into US-Based League Comeback
Porter is expected to play for the Seattle Superhawks of the United States Basketball League (USBL), with a potential debut scheduled for March 7. The move comes after the judge overseeing his federal case denied Porter permission to play abroad, despite no objection from prosecutors or federal pretrial services, according to a report from The Athletic.
Following his guilty plea in 2024, Porter had reached an agreement to join Promitheas B.C., a professional club in Greece. That opportunity was shut down by the court, effectively eliminating overseas options and leaving the USBL as one of the few leagues in which Porter is legally permitted to play while awaiting sentencing.
“I am just trying to do what I can to provide for my family,” Porter told The Athletic.
Raptors, NBA Career Ended by Gambling Scandal
Porter has not played professionally since April 2024, when the NBA permanently banned him for illegal sports betting and manipulating his on-court performance while a member of the Toronto Raptors.
League investigators concluded that Porter bet on NBA games, shared confidential information with known gamblers, and intentionally limited his participation to influence wagering outcomes. Commissioner Adam Silver issued a lifetime ban — among the most severe punishments in modern NBA history — citing the league’s need to protect competitive integrity.
Two Raptors Games Central to Federal Case
Federal prosecutors allege Porter manipulated his performance in two Raptors games during the 2023–24 season, providing advance information to bettors so they could profit from player-prop wagers.
According to an ESPN report, the first incident occurred Jan. 26, 2024, against the Los Angeles Clippers. Court filings state Porter informed co-conspirators he planned to exit early due to an eye issue. He logged minimal minutes and produced virtually no counting stats, aligning with heavy “under” bets placed on his performance.
A second game followed on March 20, 2024, against the Sacramento Kings. Prosecutors said Porter again communicated in advance that he would leave the game early. One parlay tied to his limited output reportedly totaled approximately $80,000.
The unusual betting volume surrounding a low-usage reserve player triggered sportsbook alerts and prompted the NBA to open a formal investigation that later expanded into a federal probe.
Porter pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, admitting his role in the betting scheme. Four other men were charged as part of the same operation. Porter is currently awaiting sentencing in federal court.
Modest NBA Role and Narrow Financial Margin
Before the scandal, Porter’s NBA footprint was limited but legitimate. In his final season, he appeared in 26 games for Toronto, including five starts, averaging 4.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while serving as a depth big amid injuries and lineup experimentation.
Earlier in his career, Porter also played 11 games for the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2020–21 season, continuing to battle knee issues that followed him from college into the pros.
Despite being the younger and less-heralded brother of Michael Porter Jr. — now with the Brooklyn Nets after being traded from Denver last offseason in a deal for Cam Johnson — Jontay Porter never secured a long-term NBA foothold. According to Spotrac and Hoopshype, the former NBA player has earned a combined
$2.7 million from the Grizzlies and the Raptors.
USBL Signing Marks Rare On-Court Path Forward
With overseas options blocked, Porter’s next opportunity arrived stateside.
The Seattle Superhawks announced on Feb. 25 that Porter had signed with the team, calling the move the beginning of a new chapter in his professional journey. The Superhawks highlighted Porter’s experience and size, noting the 6-foot-10 forward brings NBA pedigree to the roster.
Porter is expected to make his debut in the Superhawks’ season opener against the Lilac City Legends, scheduled to be played at Seattle Pacific University.
Part of Broader Gambling Crackdown
Porter’s case is one of several tied to a widening federal crackdown on illegal sports betting.
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was charged last fall for his alleged role in a separate betting scheme tied to a 2023 game when he played for Charlotte. Rozier has pleaded not guilty and denied the allegations through his attorney.
Several defendants connected to those cases have also been charged in a sweeping college basketball gambling scandal involving nearly two dozen players and more than a dozen programs.
Uncertain Path Forward
Whether Porter’s USBL stint lasts beyond a handful of games remains uncertain. The league offers visibility — but little distance from the consequences of his actions or the sentence still looming.
For the Raptors and the NBA, Porter’s downfall remains a stark warning in an era where legalized sports betting is more accessible than ever and where the cost of crossing that line remains absolute.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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