Over the course of the last two summers, the Brooklyn Nets have effectively embraced a full-scale rebuild. With the trade sending Cam Johnson to the Denver Nuggets, the Nets acquired Michael Porter Jr., a solid scoring threat in his own right. But it is also important to note that they added a valuable first-round pick in the process, aligning with their plans.
Considering the moves the Nets have made this summer, from their selections in the draft to their signings during the free agency period, it is evident that the team is unlikely to be competitive in the East.
Given that they are likely to continue their rebuild to maximize their draft capital, Brooklyn may be inclined to consider a trade that would also bring in more draft assets. This train of thought laid the foundations for Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey‘s trade proposal involving the Portland Trail Blazers. Here’s Bailey’s trade idea:
Proposed Trade Details
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Jerami Grant, 2031 first-round pick
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Michael Porter Jr.
Bailey’s trade proposal is an interesting one, to say the least. While similar in structure to the trade that sent Cam Johnson to the Nuggets, the implications may not be the same. With this in mind, we examine the impact of this trade further.
What Do The Nets Gain?
In this trade scenario, the Nets receive 31-year-old forward Jerami Grant along with a 2031 first-round pick (top-5 protected). Grant, who has been a valuable role player in the past, hasn’t been the most consistent player in the rotation in recent years. With recurring injuries taking a toll on his performances, the forward has been viewed as one of the most difficult contracts to move in the league.
Last season, in 47 appearances for Portland, he averaged 14.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game, shooting 37.3% from the field and 36.5% from three-point range.
At 31, Grant is not the athlete he used to be. However, he remains a productive wing defender, as well as a solid perimeter threat. While this heavily restricts him to the role of a 3-and-D player, the Nets could see some merit in this, as it would allow their young players to develop by embracing a greater role in the system.
Grant isn’t as reliable as Porter Jr. at this stage. In this regard, the merit lies in the acquisition of the 2031 first-round pick, which only serves to add to the Nets’ stockpile of draft assets.
The Blazers Acquire Michael Porter Jr.
The acquisition of Michael Porter Jr. could be quite beneficial for the Portland Trail Blazers. When considering the moves the Blazers have made over the summer, with the acquisition of Jrue Holiday and the signing of Damian Lillard, Portland is on track to become a very competitive team. With the addition of Porter Jr., Portland would only be building its roster strength.
With the Nuggets, the 27-year-old forward was restricted to his role as a movement shooter, primarily playing off-ball. However, with the Nets, Porter Jr. has an opportunity to expand upon his offensive playing style and embrace a larger role as a scoring force.
A potential move to the Blazers may not allow him the same liberties as Brooklyn, but it would put him in a more competitive environment. As one of the most efficient offensive players in his position, he could carve out a starting role for himself in Portland while serving as a reliable scoring option.
Last season, he averaged 18.2 points and 7.0 rebounds on 50.4% shooting from the field and 39.5% from three-point range. Given that many expect him to average over 25 points per game for the Nets next season, a potential move to Portland could see reduced production, but it could increase his impact.
The Deal Only Favors The Blazers
On paper, the Blazers stand to gain the most from this trade. Porter Jr.’s addition instantly improves Portland’s offense. When additionally factoring in the timeline for Damian Lillard’s recovery, acquiring a forward with his skills would only help Portland become a contender in the West.
Meanwhile, Bailey’s justification for the Nets was based on the impact of both players on a non-contending roster. While there is some merit to the fact that neither Porter Jr. nor Grant can effectively lead the team to the playoffs, the logic that acquiring Grant (who has three years left on his contract) helps Brooklyn’s rebuild is weak.
Additionally, Grant, with a $32 million cap hit this season, would cause the Nets to shed $6.3 million in salary after being acquired. Given that the NBA’s total salary floor is set at approximately $139.2 million for the 2025-26 season, this trade could cause the Nets’ total payroll to drop further below that amount, resulting in further challenges.
Overall, this move aligns more closely with Portland’s timeline to become competitive than Brooklyn’s rebuilding one, effectively favoring the Blazers.
