With only a week left before the trade deadline, several players appear to be emerging as targets in potential deals. Among these, Brooklyn Nets star Michael Porter Jr. has generated significant interest in the market as of late for his scoring ability and sharpshooting upside.
Being traded to the Nets appeared to be an opportunity for Michael Porter Jr. to become the face of the franchise and establish himself as a legitimate offensive threat. While the forward has largely succeeded in doing so, boasting averages of 25.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game on 48.3% shooting from the field and 39.5% from three-point range, it would appear that Brooklyn intends to move in a different direction.
With Porter Jr. on the trade block, teams such as the Golden State Warriors emerged as an ideal landing spot for the forward. However, with Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix revealing the Nets’ asking price, the Warriors’ chances of landing the three-point sniper appear slim.
“Nets’ asking price is high, looking for multiple firsts,” Mannix wrote. “There’s a feeling in the Bay and around the league that if the Nets don’t get an offer they’re looking for, the price will go down. If it does, MPJ is a player the Warriors will prioritize.”
The Warriors’ draft reserves are largely limited, and with new reports suggesting that they are unlikely to trade Kuminga, all doors to acquire Michael Porter Jr. seem to be closing. Still, with several other avenues available now, we explore three teams that could afford the Nets’ star forward.
Detroit Pistons
Proposed Trade Details
Detroit Pistons Receive: Michael Porter Jr.
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Tobias Harris, Caris LeVert, 2027 first-round pick, 2029 first-round pick
As the top team in the East, the Detroit Pistons already appear formidable. However, by acquiring Michael Porter Jr. before the trade deadline, the Pistons would effectively be cementing their status as a title contender.
The Detroit Pistons boast one of the best defenses in the league, ranking second in team defensive rating this season (108.7). Although their offense has been impressive, ranking 11th (116.1), it is clear that it could benefit from a boost.
Porter Jr. effectively positions himself as an upgrade on Harris. With superior offensive production and rebounding upside, the 27-year-old is more likely to suit the system and have a bigger impact on the team’s success than their current starting forward.
Although packaging Caris LeVert with Tobias Harris could affect Detroit’s bench production, given what they receive in return, the Pistons may see the value in doing this trade.
This deal also works out for the Nets, who greatly benefit from the addition of two first-round picks and taking on Harris’ expiring contract worth $26.6 million. When also considering that LeVert is on a short-term deal, Brooklyn may see added benefits in making this deal.
Charlotte Hornets
Proposed Trade Details
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Michael Porter Jr.
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Miles Bridges, Josh Green, 2027 first-round pick (MIA), 2029 first-round pick, 2031 first-round pick
This is positioned as a solid deal for the Nets, who would benefit from adding three first-round picks and the short-term contracts of Miles Bridges and Josh Green. Still, the benefits for the Hornets are undeniable.
Unlike the Pistons, the Charlotte Hornets aren’t necessarily positioned to be a contender this season. However, considering the sheer abundance of talent on the roster, adding an offensive-minded player like Michael Porter Jr. could be an exciting move for the Hornets.
The Hornets already feature some gifted scorers, including players like LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and even Kon Knueppel. But in terms of sheer three-point shooting efficiency, only Knueppel rivals Porter Jr.
Although joining such a team may affect Porter Jr.’s scoring production, being paired with a playmaker like Ball could help him boost his efficiency further. When also factoring in that the Hornets are effectively a rebuilding franchise, acquiring another star-caliber player to add to its core could be exactly what Charlotte needs to emerge as a threat in the East next season.
The Hornets have already displayed the potential to compete with some of the NBA’s best teams this season. Now on a three-game winning streak, boasting a 6-4 record in their last 10 games, Charlotte could be an interesting team to follow if they succeed in acquiring Porter Jr.
San Antonio Spurs
Proposed Trade Details
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Michael Porter Jr.
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Harrison Barnes, Keldon Johnson, 2028 first-round pick, 2030 first-round pick
For the San Antonio Spurs, acquiring Michael Porter Jr. would have a similar implication to the Pistons. Placing second in the West with a 31-15 record on the season, the Spurs’ pursuit of Porter Jr. would effectively assert their position as a title contender in the West.
For the Nets, this package has considerable benefits. Apart from the two first-round picks and Harrison Barnes‘ expiring contract, the Nets would also acquire a young forward in Keldon Johnson. With the intent of continuing their rebuild, the Nets may view this trade favorably.
Meanwhile, the Spurs only stand to gain from acquiring Michael Porter Jr. The forward’s innate scoring ability enables him to be an upgrade over Barnes, with his rebounding skills adding more value to San Antonio’s rotation.
Porter Jr.’s playing style blends with the Spurs’ system, as he exploits open spaces with off-ball movement and stretches the defense with his perimeter shooting. The Spurs’ superstars are likely to reap the benefits of this.
San Antonio may also rate the 27-year-old’s championship pedigree very highly. Given that the team is gearing up for a deep playoff run, having a veteran with experience would prove immensely worthwhile.
Will Michael Porter Jr. Be Traded?
While it was clear that Michael Porter Jr.’s acquisition in the offseason wouldn’t transform the team into a title contender immediately, the result has been less than favorable.
The Brooklyn Nets currently sit at 12-33 on the season, placing 13th in the Eastern Conference standings. Having lost its last six games and posting a 1-9 record in its last 10 outings, it would appear that Brooklyn is currently at its worst.
This may be an active effort to gain a lottery pick in the upcoming draft, but all signs point to the same thing: rebuild.
With this approach in mind, keeping a player like Porter Jr., who has a cap hit of $38.3 million this season, doesn’t seem sensible. Purely on that basis, it would make sense for the Nets to facilitate a trade for the forward. But considering the high asking price they’ve placed on him, it would seem unlikely for Brooklyn to find any takers at this juncture.
