Michael Porter Nic Claxton
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MACAU, MACAU - OCTOBER 10: Nic Claxton #33 and Michael Porter Jr. #17 of Brooklyn Nets competes for the ball during NBA China Games 2025 between Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets at The Venetian Macao on October 10, 2025 in Macau, Macau. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images)
The Brooklyn Nets are expected to be a major team involved at the trade deadline due to a couple of strong talents. Michael Porter and Nicolas Claxton are both having strong seasons to boost their trade value on a rebuilding team. Porter has a realistic chance at the All-Star Game due to his outstanding all-around improvement with greater opportunity. Claxton is also having his best season, while becoming a stronger facilitator.
Clutch Points reported that the Nets have a specific asking price for both Porter and Claxton trades if other teams are serious:
“Brooklyn won’t begin to consider any trade packages for Porter, or Nic Claxton for that matter, without the inclusion of a true unprotected first-round pick, among other assets.”
Many teams have been rumored to express interest in both potential trade assets. Multiple playoff teams lacking a center would love to have Claxton, especially for his strong defensive presence. Porter has become one of the premiere NBA scorers and has proven he can fit into a winning system, like with the Denver Nuggets for many years.
Teams Want Michael Porter And Claxton
Recent reports have confirmed that the Nets have a lot of interested suitors in Porter due to his breakout season exceeding all expectations. The Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors and Milwaukee Bucks are all actively trying to improve their rosters for the second half of the season. Porter makes sense for each team when looking at ways he could improve their overall ceilings.
Claxton’s name has emerged in rumors involving the Warriors, Boston Celtics and other teams lacking a center. Brooklyn should be viewing teams like Golden State and Milwaukee as the most interesting scenarios. Both aging teams would have to offer draft picks in future seasons, and many forecast them dropping off in a couple of seasons.
The varying level of trade interest sees Porter having higher value on the market. Most teams would understand that a first-round pick is clearly needed to have any chance at adding Porter. Claxton may be a tougher situation since teams refused to offer a first-round pick as recently as last offseason.
Should Brooklyn Consider Keeping Michael Porter?
There have been some reports about the Nets potentially keeping Porter on the roster beyond the trade deadline. Brooklyn could try to move Porter in the offseason when more teams are able to get involved and make moves to free up salary space.
However, the current scenario of aging teams offering future first round picks may be too much to pass on. Porter also has by far the greatest value he’s ever had on the trade block with averages of 25.9 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.
The Nets will likely have to decide between keeping Porter as a piece for the future or trading him this year while the entire NBA is interested. Claxton is less of a priority since he’s never going to be a dominant scorer or top option. Other teams at least now know that an unprotected first round draft pick is the asking price.