5 blockbuster Michael Porter Jr. trade destinations as Nets explore deadline market amid red-hot run

Michael Porter Jr.’s superb season has the Brooklyn Nets thinking of trading the sweet-shooting forward, according to ClutchPoints on Wednesday. With Brooklyn still embracing a full rebuild, a combination of draft picks and expiring contracts might entice them to part ways with Porter.

Championship contenders or teams looking for reinforcement to make the playoffs could be interested in the former Denver Nuggets forward. Porter’s 25.6 points per game on 49.7%, including 39.9% from deep, are hard to ignore. He could be a difference-maker for teams needing versatility and offensive boost.

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5 teams who could be interested in Michael Porter Jr.

#5. Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers, who are looking to make the playoffs for the first time since 2021, could bring Michael Porter Jr. to Rip City. To get Porter, the Blazers might need to trade Jrue Holiday again to match salaries. Portland could include the oft-injured Robert Williams, who has been buried in Portland’s frontline-heavy roster.

Porter brings much-needed offense to a team ranked No. 18 in offensive rating. Portland’s 33.5% shooting from deep, second-worst in the NBA, should get a boost with Porter.

Portland also sends 2026 and 2028 first-round picks to the Nets, who will have Holiday as a steadying presence. Williams’ $13.8 expiring contract will only add more flexibility to the Nets.

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#4. Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies are another team that could benefit from Michael Porter Jr.’s shooting and off-ball movement. Memphis, 26th in the NBA with 34.3% shooting from 3-point distance, badly needs a spark from that area to earn a playoff spot.

The Grizzlies, who own a 13-14 record, are ninth in the fiercely contested Western Conference. Porter could be a difference-maker.

In return for Porter, the Grizzlies could give up Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Brandon Clarke, two players with a year left on their contracts. Brooklyn, who could demand two first-round picks, might get a 2027 and 2020 first-rounder.

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#3. Phoenix Suns

After trading Kevin Durant and then waiving Bradley Beal, the Phoenix Suns are turning heads in the NBA. They have a 14-12 record for the seventh spot in their conference despite Jalen Green being limited to two games due to a right hamstring strain.

The Suns could add more firepower by acquiring Michael Porter Jr. Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, Mark Williams, and Porter give Phoenix one of the best starting fives in the NBA.

Phoenix could send Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, Nick Richards and a first-round pick for Porter. Allen and O’Neale have two years left on their deals, while Richards is on an expiring contract that the Nets want.

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#2. Golden State Warriors

Jonathan Kuminga’s stay in Golden State likely ends if the Warriors are interested in Michael Porter Jr. A package of Kuminga and Moses Moody might be enough to bring Porter to San Francisco.

The Nets will likely demand a first-round pick, which the Dubs could accommodate with a 2026 first-rounder.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr admitted having problems with Kuminga’s fit in the lineup. Porter could easily slot into any combination Kerr wants. Porter’s shooting, size and championship DNA are all coveted by the Warriors.

Kerr’s team, once one of the most efficient teams on offense, is No. 21 in the NBA. Michael Porter Jr. can give them a big boost.

Kuminga can’t be traded until Jan. 15, an issue that might give other teams an advantage over the Warriors.

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#1. Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons, who sit atop the Eastern Conference with a 21-5 record, could add more firepower by acquiring Michael Porter Jr. They have Tobias Harris, who is on a $26.4 million expiring deal, as their biggest trade chip. One of Jaden Ivey, Ron Holland II and Caris LeVert could go with Harris to Brooklyn.

Ivey or Holland could be part of Brooklyn’s rebuild while LeVert, who has one year left on his deal, provides veteran leadership and playmaking. Holland has shown much promise, so the Nets might choose him over the other two. A 2026 first-round pick will make the package too hard to pass up for the Nets.

Michael Porter Jr. easily fit into the Pistons’ starting lineup. He is used to playing the power forward spot, which was Harris’ usual position. Porter, Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren give the Pistons a core that could push them to the top of the East in the playoffs.

Edited by Michael Macasero