Warriors, Warriors trade, Michael Porter Jr.
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Michael Porter Jr. #17 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots the ball against Justin Edwards #11 of the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half at Xfinity Mobile Arena on December 23, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Brooklyn Nets reportedly have no interest in acquiring fifth-year forward Jonathan Kuminga, spelling bad news for the Golden State Warriors in their pursuit of a Michael Porter Jr. trade.
According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the Warriors have internally discussed the possibility of packaging Kuminga ($22.5M), Moses Moody ($11.5M) and Buddy Hield ($9.2M) for Porter Jr., a deal the Nets would have no interest in.
“Porter is one of the many options Golden State has discussed to this point, yet Brooklyn does not appear to have any interest in Kuminga,” wrote Siegel.
“There are also concerns from the Warriors’ end about the asking price for Porter. The Nets don’t appear to be willing to simply take the best offer for the potential first-time All-Star over the next four weeks. Reports surrounding Golden State’s internal interest in Porter were first brought to light by The Stein Line.”
Warriors Trade Deadline Plans
The report added that the Warriors are seeking a 3-and-D wing to take the pressure off Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler III, with Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III earmarked as top targets. Unfortunately, the New Orleans Pelicans have no interest in dealing either 3-and-D wing, per multiple reports, putting the Warriors in a tough spot.
According to Siegel, the Pelicans are seeking “a minimum of two unprotected first-round picks” for both Jones and Murphy. Theoretically, the Warriors — who have up to three tradeable first-round picks — can match that offer.
“There is a growing belief that Jones and Murphy will remain in New Orleans this season,” added the NBA insider.
Warriors Won’t Sacrifice Draft Assets
It appears highly unlikely that the Warriors will part with two unprotected first-round picks for either Jones or Murphy, regardless of how much they covet the two players.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has made it clear that the franchise won’t sacrifice future draft assets for a win-now move, citing the examples of the Milwaukee Bucks, LA Clippers and Phoenix Suns, all of whom went all-in in recent years with little payoff.
“If there’s something that makes us better, for sure. But all you have to do is look at some of these teams out there that have given up the world for a star player, and now they’re looking around like the Clippers, no picks. Phoenix, no picks. Milwaukee, no picks. You can really paint yourself into a corner if you’re risky and irresponsible,” Kerr said on the “Tom Tolbert Show” last month.
Despite their reluctance to part with future draft assets, the Warriors have reportedly been one of the most aggressive teams since the NBA’s trade season unofficially began on Dec. 15. According to insider Chris Haynes, the Warriors have reached out to the Brooklyn Nets about Nic Claxton, Dallas Mavericks about Daniel Gafford and Portland Trail Blazers about Robert Williams III, with hopes of making frontcourt upgrades.