The blockbuster trade that sent Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks to the Washington Wizards really kicked off the NBA trade season.
Even though there’s several weeks before the Feb. 5 deadline to complete trades, rumors and eventual moves are going to start popping up very soon.
One of the top names being floated around the NBA — and tied to the Detroit Pistons — has been forward Michael Porter Jr. of the Brooklyn Nets. But recent reports are somewhat conflicting when it comes to the likelihood the seventh-year forward will get moved.
The Athletic’s John Hollinger reported on Saturday that Porter, 27, is “a lock to move by the deadline” according to a league source.
However, NBA insider Marc Stein refuted the claim, in part, saying he’s seen “pushback” on the certainty Porter is going to be moved.
“I’ve heard it, too. I’ve talked to people that really believe that the Nets are going to sell high and move (Porter) when, I expect him to be an All-Star the way he’s played,” Stein said in a recent appearance on All NBA Podcast.
“But when I’ve checked on it and asked the best-placed sources I could ask, I’m hearing pushback. All that is my way of saying I can’t call it.”
Porter is a tough case to crack in some ways. He’s putting up career numbers in his first season with the Nets, averaging 25.9 points and 7.4 rebounds, while shooting nearly 40% from three.
After years spent as second or third fiddle with the Denver Nuggets, Porter is proving he can put up serious numbers on a talent-depleted roster. That’s not necessarily what he would be asked to do with a contender like the Pistons, but he would jump right in as a contributor, regardless.
His contract — which runs through the 2026-2027 season — is hefty with a cap hit over $38 million this year and nearly $41 million next year.
The Nets (11-25) had a strong December, going 7-4, but have begun January with a 1-5 start that might push them to trade Porter while his stock is high and effectively open them to tank for a top draft pick.
Brooklyn has historically been stubborn about dealing players until the front office gets the value they’re looking for out of trades. They held onto Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson quite a lot longer than expected and could do the same with Porter if the offer from the Pistons or any other team interested isn’t what they’re after.
An inquiry from the Pistons into Porter has not been confirmed at this point and the front office indicated before the season their desire to focus on internal development.
However, with Detroit atop the East and becoming a real threat to come out of the conference, a move can’t be ruled out to help the roster get ready for the postseason.