Brooklyn’s stance on Michael Porter Jr. remains uncertain with less than three weeks left before the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
What’s happening: The Athletic’s John Hollinger reported over the weekend that a league source considers Porter “a lock” to be moved by the Nets before the deadline. Other well-connected voices have pushed back on that characterization.
Conflicting signals:
- In his latest Substack newsletter, veteran reporter Marc Stein wrote that several executives believe Brooklyn could capitalize on Porter’s breakout season. He added, however, that league conversations still indicate resistance inside the organization to any in-season trade.
- HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto told YES Network that contenders have asked about Porter’s availability, but the Nets are focused on improving for 2024-25 and view the 25-year-old forward as a potential cornerstone.
Interest around the league: Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints reported that Golden State and Milwaukee reached out about Porter in early January. According to Siegel, Brooklyn’s opening request is at least one quality first-round pick, and even that might not be enough to trigger a deal.
Other names mentioned: Scotto added that center Nic Claxton has drawn interest from the Pacers and Warriors. Yet both Scotto and Siegel said the Nets still project the 26-year-old as part of their long-term core.
Bottom line: Phone calls are being placed and prices discussed, but nothing so far suggests Brooklyn is ready to finalize a trade involving Porter or Claxton before Feb. 5.
Source: Hoops Wire
