Bucks, Pistons, Warriors Among Teams Eyeing Nets Forward Michael Porter Jr.
bucks-pistons-warriors-eye-nets-forward-michael-porter-jr
Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. is drawing wide interest ahead of the NBA’s February 5 trade deadline, league sources told Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Porter, 27, is averaging career-best numbers in his first season with the Nets: 25.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists over 26 games while shooting 49.6 percent from the field, 41.0 percent from three and 81.2 percent at the foul line. Six months after Denver moved him in what amounted to a salary dump, one veteran executive described Porter’s current trade value as at least “neutral.”
Brooklyn is listening to inquiries but is not actively shopping the 6-foot-10 scorer, according to Fischer. Team officials could set a steep price to part with Porter during the season and are expected to pursue an accelerated rebuild next summer if they secure a high pick in the 2026 draft.
Clubs Monitoring Porter
Milwaukee Bucks: Milwaukee is tracking Porter’s status while exploring upgrades around Giannis Antetokounmpo. Sources added that the Bucks may also target Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray once he returns from a torn Achilles, expected in January.
Detroit Pistons: Detroit has not contacted Brooklyn yet but is viewed as a logical destination. Porter would give the Pistons a secondary scorer and elite shooter next to Cade Cunningham. He earns less than Anthony Davis or Lauri Markkanen and likely would cost fewer trade assets than Markkanen.
Golden State Warriors: Golden State has considered a bid for Porter, and head coach Steve Kerr praised the forward after Monday’s game in Brooklyn. A straight Nets-Warriors deal is unlikely at present because Brooklyn is reportedly lukewarm on Jonathan Kuminga, whose salary would be needed for matching purposes.
Chicago Bulls: Chicago remains a possible suitor and was deep in talks to acquire Porter from Denver last year in a proposed Zach LaVine trade that ultimately fell through.
The Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers showed interest when Porter was still with the Nuggets, but neither franchise is pursuing him this season, Fischer added.
Source: Hoops Rumors
