One of the top names linked to the Detroit Pistons throughout the buildup to the NBA trade deadline has been Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr.
NBA analysts have seen a strong fit for Porter with the Pistons, who could use another scorer to bolster their East-leading rotation, and a recent report from NBA insider Marc Stein said the front office has internally weighed a pursuit of the wing scorer.
If Detroit wanted to make a big move at the deadline, finding a deal that brings the former NBA Champion during a career year could be inspired.
However, other reports have said the Pistons are more inclined to be conservative at the deadline and possibly serve as a facilitator in a larger trade or work to add around the margins of their roster.
It’s also looking like Porter’s potential to be traded is still seriously in question. With Porter, 27, under contract through next season, the Nets may not be too keen on offloading him, according to a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania.
“He’s had a sensational year with the Brooklyn Nets this year...he’s a player the Nets are going to get a ton of calls and interest for,” Charania said on ESPN Monday. “They do see him a part of their future, potentially.”
The Nets are among the bottom five teams in the NBA right now — with a recent drubbing against the Pistons — and are operating below the salary cap with 13 first-round picks over the next seven years.
A clear rebuild is getting underway in Brooklyn and Porter’s value is at an all time high, but that’s because he is enjoying some of the best play of his career. Porter is averaging 25.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game while shooting 48% from the field, and nearly 40% from three-point range.
It’s realistic the Nets will try and keep Porter in Brooklyn for the long term or at least wait until his contract is expiring to deal him away.
The 6-foot-10 forward would certainly be a strong addition to any potential playoff team at the deadline, but with days to go until the deadline, it’s no certainty he’ll be on the move and may require a large sum to do so.
The Pistons have plenty of assets to work with — all of their first-rounders through the next seven years and contracts to match Porter’s salary — but the front office likes having flexibility and a move of this caliber would likely take that away.