Citing a “trusted league source,” John Hollinger of The Athletic reported over the weekend that Michael Porter Jr. is a “lock” to be traded by the Nets ahead of the deadline. Other NBA insiders haven’t been so bold, however.
In his latest Substack story, Marc Stein acknowledges some people around the league think the Nets will take a “sell high” approach to Porter’s breakout season and move him by February 5. But Stein continues to hear “pushback” about Brooklyn’s desire to trade Porter prior to the offseason, and says he’s not sure what the Nets will do.
Speaking to Justin Shackil on Yes Network (Twitter video link), Michael Scotto of HoopsHype also expressed some doubt about the possibility of Porter being involved in an in-season trade.
“Right now, a lot of teams across the league — more contending teams — have called, just to get a sense of where he’s at,” Scotto said. “But one thing I will tell you and the viewers as well, Justin, is that the Nets, looking ahead towards next season, they’re going to want to take a step forward. Michael Porter Jr. could very well be a part of that with the way he’s playing. And he’s still young, in his prime.
“So I would temper expectations on a trade, at least at this point. But certainly, he’s gained more interest around the league and I don’t think anybody has helped his value more than him given the All-Star production and efficiency he has shown this season so far.”
The Warriors and Bucks have inquired about Porter since the start of January, per Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, but the Nets haven’t made it known they actually want to move the sharpshooting forward. Brooklyn’s starting point in talks for Porter is a “valuable first-round pick,” according Siegel, who says even if that asking price is met it doesn’t necessarily mean the team will trade him.
Scotto also discussed Nic Claxton, whose descending contract holds some appeal to rival teams. Scotto reported that the Pacers and Warriors are among the teams who have expressed interest in the seventh-year center, but also said the Nets consider the 26-year-old part of their future.
Siegel has heard similarly, writing that the Nets value Claxton and would want a minimum of first-round pick and “players of value” in return who can help expedite the team’s rebuild.
Any offer has to start with 2 unprotected 1sts for Brooklyn to give up Porter Jr.
What? Denver attached a first to get rid of him.
Nuggets did it so they could sign 3 players
Yeah, because those 3 players are a better fit for the team. Not sure how that changes attaching a first. Nets aren’t getting 2 firsts is my point, that’s more than a bit rich.
Yesterdays price isn’t today’s price. 26 PPG on 40% from 3 with 7 boards a game doesn’t grow on trees. Unprotected 1st seems a little steep but I don’t see how you get him for less than 2 firsts at this point.
yea, and now he’s on track to be an allstar…
I was always a big MPJ guy, wanted the Sixers to draft him. But let’s be serious bro, he’s taking all the shots on a terrible Nets team. He’s a good shooter, he’s not Cam Thomas, but he isn’t going to team X Y or Z and being “the guy” he’s going to be 3rd or 4th fiddle on most contenders. Same role as before, higher salary than before.
See that shot how technically sound it is. A bucket.. good looks easy peasy. He’s shooting 40% 3pt.
84% FT, 26 pts a game, 7.4 reb, 3.4 ast.
Having his best year. Also playing more aggressive. Getting his own shot. Never did that in Denver. Warriors are not getting a better player. Plus a chip on his shoulder. Gotta do it.
MPJ is just looking good on a bad team. If he goes to a contender again he will flounder and those teams tend to not have ‘valuable’ first round picks.
Shooting, rebounding. Putting the ball on the floor. Has nothing to do with bad teams. He has upped his game finally. watch a few Net games. Looking good.
No team should ever have both MPJ and Cam Thomas on its roster. If you can get value on any one of them – you gotta do it.
Yeah the Nets should absolutely sell high on MPJ, his value probably wont ever be this high again
And we all remember when Mikal Bridges averaged 26ppg with the Nets and then never again. You never know…