Steve Kerr, Warriors
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Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr reacts about a call.
The Brooklyn Nets are attracting strong interest from the Golden State Warriors for forward Michael Porter Jr. ahead of the February 5 trade deadline.
But according to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, the Nets have set a massive asking price for Porter Jr., which involves multiple first-round picks.
Mannix appeared on “NBA on NBC” on Tuesday and unpacked the latest surrounding the Warriors’ trade deadline approach. He said the Warriors are optimistic that the Nets will reduce their asking price before the trade deadline if no team matches their offer.
“Nets’ asking price is high, looking for multiple firsts,” Mannix said. “There’s a feeling in the Bay and around the league that if the Nets don’t get an offer they’re looking for, the price will go down. If it does, MPJ is a player the Warriors will prioritize.”
Chef
.@SIChrisMannix on MPJ:
“Nets’ asking price is high, looking for multiple firsts . . .There’s a feeling in the Bay and around the league that if the Nets don’t get an offer they’re looking for, the price will go down. If it does, MPJ is a player the Warriors will prioritize”
Why the Warriors Want Michael Porter Jr.
GettyBrooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter passes the ball. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)
Porter Jr. would fill a major need for Golden State.
The Warriors lost Jimmy Butler to a season-ending ACL tear earlier this month, leaving a massive hole on the wing. Porter Jr. is the type of player who could step into that role and provide scoring, shooting, and size.
Porter Jr. is averaging 24.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game this season on career-high numbers across the board. He can shoot, he can score at all three levels, and he fits the Warriors’ system perfectly.
The fit makes sense. Porter Jr. would give Stephen Curry another dangerous scoring option and take pressure off the 37-year-old guard. His ability to space the floor and attack closeouts would make Golden State’s offense more dynamic.
The Warriors have been linked to Porter Jr. on numerous occasions this season, even dating back to the offseason when Jonathan Kuminga‘s restricted free agency was in limbo. Now, with Butler out for the season and Kuminga demanding a trade, Porter Jr. makes even more sense as a target.
The Nets’ Asking Price Is Too High
The problem is the Nets want multiple first-round picks.
That asking price is too steep for the Warriors, who have already indicated they will cap their offer at two first-round picks, with one being protected. General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. recently said the Warriors are willing to trade draft capital, but only for the right player at the right price.
Porter Jr. is the right player. But multiple first-round picks is not the right price.
Porter Jr. was traded to the Nets for Cam Johnson during the summer. He was moved mainly for financial flexibility as his large contract, roughly $38 million in 2025-26 and $40 million in 2026-27 per Spotrac, made it harder for the Denver Nuggets to manage their cap under the new collective bargaining rules.
The Warriors would have to take on that contract, which complicates the trade. Porter Jr. is talented, but his salary makes him a significant financial commitment for a team trying to balance competing now with preserving future flexibility.
Why Golden State Are Waiting
The Warriors believe the Nets will lower their asking price.
According to Mannix, there is a feeling in the Bay Area and around the league that if the Nets do not get an offer they are looking for, the price will go down. That is when the Warriors will pounce.
The Nets are 12-33 and have lost six straight games. They have just one win in their last 10 games and are clearly not competing for a playoff spot. That lack of leverage works in the Warriors’ favor.
If no team is willing to meet the Nets’ asking price, Brooklyn will have to lower their demands or risk holding onto Porter Jr. for the rest of the season. The Warriors are betting that the Nets will blink first.
Golden State has already shown they are willing to be patient. They capped their offer for Trey Murphy III at two first-round picks and have not budged. The same strategy applies here. The Warriors want Porter Jr., but they are not going to overpay.
Michael Porter Jr.’s Fit With Golden State
Steph Curry and Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors
GettySteph Curry and Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors.
Porter Jr. would be an ideal fit alongside Curry and Draymond Green.
He can shoot, which is essential in Golden State’s system. He can score in isolation, which takes pressure off Curry. And he can rebound, which helps the Warriors on both ends of the floor.
Porter Jr. is also just 27 years old, which means he fits the Warriors’ timeline. If Golden State trades for him, he would be part of the core beyond Curry’s career. That long-term value makes him more appealing than a rental or an older player.
The Warriors have been searching for a wing who can replace Butler’s production. Porter Jr. is not the same two-way player Butler is, but he is a better offensive player. His scoring and shooting would help Golden State stay competitive in the Western Conference.
Final Word for the Warriors
The Nets have set a massive asking price for Michael Porter Jr.
Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated reported that Brooklyn is looking for multiple first-round picks in exchange for the talented wing. But there is a feeling around the league that if the Nets do not get an offer they like, the price will go down. If it does, the Warriors will prioritize Porter Jr.
Golden State has strong interest in Porter Jr. He fits their system, he fills a need, and he would help replace the production they lost when Jimmy Butler went down with a season-ending ACL tear. But the Warriors are not willing to overpay.
The Nets are 12-33 and have lost six straight games. They have no leverage, and the Warriors know it. Golden State is betting that Brooklyn will lower their asking price before the February 5 deadline. If they do, the Warriors will strike.
Porter Jr. is averaging 24.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game this season. His contract is expensive, but his production justifies the cost. The question is whether the Nets will lower their demands enough for the Warriors to make a move.