The Golden State Warriors explored the idea of trading for Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. but backed away after learning Brooklyn’s asking price exceeded what the front office is willing to pay, according to a league-wide roundup by Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
Porter, owed $40.8 million in 2026-27, is also unlikely to draw interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, who are not looking to add another high-salary contract, Siegel reported. The Nets have told other clubs they are comfortable keeping the 28-year-old beyond the deadline if no satisfactory offer materializes.
Warriors still hunting for wing help
Golden State continues to survey the market for veteran wings. Siegel noted the club has been linked to Kings forward DeMar DeRozan and former Warrior Andrew Wiggins, now with the Miami Heat following last season’s Jimmy Butler trade. Whether Miami is open to moving Wiggins remains unclear, but mutual interest between the 2022 championship partners persists.
The Warriors’ long-standing fascination with Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III also remains. Sources told ClutchPoints that Golden State has placed multiple calls to New Orleans this season. Rival executives believe the Pelicans want several first-round picks plus one or two young players for Murphy and may still refuse to move him even if that price is met. The Toronto Raptors have also inquired about the 25-year-old forward.
League notes
Giannis Antetokounmpo: Although the two-time MVP has publicly ruled out asking for a trade, many around the league believe a separation from the Milwaukee Bucks could come as soon as this offseason. One Eastern Conference executive told ClutchPoints that Antetokounmpo appears determined to avoid being cast as a villain in Milwaukee, even as speculation mounts.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Front-office executives expect Minnesota to add backcourt help before the deadline. Names connected to the Wolves include Magic guard Tyus Jones, Kings guard Malik Monk and Hornets guard Collin Sexton. Charlotte is said to want at least one meaningful asset—such as a draft pick or young player—in any Sexton deal.
Orlando Magic: Orlando is reportedly open to moving Jones, forward Jonathan Isaac and center Goga Bitadze. Siegel indicated the Magic could pursue second-round draft capital and 2026-27 salary relief for Bitadze. The club is approximately $5.6 million above the luxury-tax threshold and might look to dip under by dealing players whose current salaries range from $7 million (Jones) to $15 million (Isaac).
The league’s trade deadline activity is expected to accelerate as front offices weigh cost, cap implications and the potential for marquee names—such as Antetokounmpo—to reshape the market in the coming months.
Source: Hoops Rumors
