Michael Porter Jr
The Atlanta Hawks made waves a week ago when they sent 4X All-Star guard Trae Young to the Washington Wizards. In his place, they landed C.J. McCollum and Corey Kispert, who have already started logging minutes for the team.
There could still be more moves made that help them to finalize their roster ahead of a potential playoff run. Among those, might they consider a move with the Brooklyn Nets? Owning three picks in the upcoming June draft, the Hawks could afford to be a bit flexible with how they opt to manuever.
This move with the Nets would send Kristaps Porzingis and Zaccharie Risacher to the Nets along with a 2026 1st-round pick. In exchange, Atlanta would acquire Michael Porter Jr. and Haywood Highsmith.
Let’s break it down in this next section.
Michael Porter Jr Heading to Atlanta in Hypothetical Deal
Looking at the above might make the the deal look like a huge haul. That would be an accurate description. With that said though, great rewards cannot always come to be without great risks.
By trading Michael Porter Jr., the Nets are hoping to acquire more assets. The forward has averaged 26 points and eight rebounds during his first season in Brooklyn. He is doing so while being a jump shooter making nearly 50% of his attempts. He has been one of the best shooters in the league this uear.
They would add the still-injured Haywood Highsmith to match salary. On the other end of things, the Hawks might be hesitant to include Zaccharie Risacher. But, with the #1 pick struggling to perform consistently, a change of scenery could be big for him. A chance to be a big deal for the Nets.
The second-year forward has had his moments, but he hasn’t been the answer at the forward spot next to Jalen Johnson.
Injuries and illness have primarily kept Kristaps Porzingis off the floor in Atlanta. This deal would enable Atlanta to move off the big man and his expiring $30 million salary. He could take on a big role with the Nets as one of the stars and potential veteran building blocks.
The first-round pick for Atlanta is what could push Brooklyn into doing the deal. Trading a first, along with a former #1 overall pick to acquire an All-Star may well be worth the risk.
This trade features a whole lot of moving parts, but would surely shake things up.
Projecting New Roles for Traded Assets
Kristaps Porzingis would likely slot in as the starting PF on the Nets after this deal. He would pair with Nic Claxton (or Day’Ron Sharpe if the former is traded) in the frontcourt. He could provide some nice size, and another low-post threat for the young guards to toss it to.
Zaccharie Risacher would immediately join the starting lineup ahead of his former Atlanta teammate Terance Mann. More scoring opportunities would become available.
As for Michael Porter Jr., he would start next to Jalen Johnson. He would be providing elite floor-spacing, and they can run more handoff plays for the sharpshooter.
The scoring numbers will surely come down, but with Nickeil Alexander-Walker running with him, they will be adding a shooter they are desperately in need of. Especially since it has been a month since Dyson Daniels has made a three.
The first-round pick would be the San Antonio pick. This would net a late-20’s selection for Brooklyn, who can use it as a possible trade chip.
This trade may be a long shot, but anything can happen in this league. Both teams would certainly benefit. But if Atlanta wants another big man instead of another scorer, they may go another direction
Last note here, is that Asa Newell would step into an everyday role if Porzingis is moved.