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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 07: Michael Porter Jr. #17 of the Brooklyn Nets drives against Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic during their game at Barclays Center on January 07, 2026 in New York City. 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 Al Bello/Getty Images)
The Brooklyn Nets have one of the most coveted trade assets in the NBA in Michael Porter Jr. Porter Jr. is having the best season of his career in Brooklyn. Now that he has been given the opportunity to be the focal point of the offense, he is putting up great numbers.
Brooklyn currently sits 13th in the Eastern Conference standings. At this point, they are focused on maximizing their chances of getting a high draft pick. Trading Porter Jr. would help them with that. Even with Porter Jr. putting up high scoring numbers, the Nets have the sixth-worst offense in the league.
A bold trade proposal from Bleacher Report sees the Nets add a solid return for Porter Jr. as they trade him to one of the best teams in the East.
GettyBrooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. shoots the ball. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Nets Send Michael Porter Jr. to East Contender in Bold Trade Idea
Here is the full trade proposal:
The Detroit Pistons receive: Michael Porter Jr., Jalen Wilson
The Brooklyn Nets receive: Tobias Harris, Jaden Ivey, 2027 first-round pick
Detroit needs a scoring win, and that’s what Porter Jr. is. Getting a veteran adult in Harris who can help the rest of the young guys on the roster is smart. Ivey is a young player who has superstar qualities if he can ever stay healthy, too.
Getting another first-round pick is where any offer for Porter Jr. must start. The Nets are still trying to assemble a good, young team. They used all five first-round picks they had this season, so they are all in with having a super-young team develop together.
Brooklyn will have no shortage of suitors for Porter Jr., so they don’t have to jump at the first offer given to them. This is a trade that seems fair for both parties, but Brooklyn could also drive the price up because of the multiple suitors they will have.
GettyBrooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter passes the ball. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
The Nets Need to Trade Michael Porter Jr.
The longer Brooklyn keeps Porter Jr., the better chance that the Nets have of winning games. That’s something that Sean Marks is not looking for. With this being one of the best drafts at the top in several years, the Nets are trying to get as high a pick as possible.
Porter Jr. knows what it takes to win a championship, as he was part of the Denver Nuggets‘ 2023 title. He would love to go to a contender where he can contribute to another team winning a championship. Brooklyn is not going to be the place to do that.
Even if Brooklyn doesn’t send him to Detroit, the Nets have to deal him before the trade deadline. Getting him off the team helps their future plans by accumulating assets, and it helps them lose more games, so they increase their draft lottery odds for the 2026 NBA Draft.
Brooklyn has been receiving calls about him for a while.