As the NBA trade deadline looms on February 5, 2026, the rumor mill is heating up-and the Los Angeles Clippers are right in the thick of it. According to recent chatter, the Clippers could be eyeing a bold move involving not one, but two intriguing pieces from the Brooklyn Nets: Michael Porter Jr. and Cam Thomas.
This potential trade scenario surfaced during a recent episode of Clutch Scoops, where insider Brett Siegel shared that an Eastern Conference scout floated the idea during the NBA Cup in Las Vegas. The concept? Pairing the high-scoring Porter with the explosive Thomas to give the Clippers an added offensive punch as they gear up for a postseason run.
Let’s break this down.
Why Porter and Thomas? Why now?
Michael Porter Jr., now in his first season with the Nets after six years in Denver, is having the kind of campaign that turns heads. Through 21 games, he’s putting up 25.6 points, 7.3 boards, and 3.2 assists per night, while shooting a blistering 49.7% from the field and nearly 40% from deep.
That kind of efficiency-especially from a 6’10” forward who can stretch the floor-doesn’t come around often. He’s not just filling a role; he’s thriving as a primary scoring option.
Then there’s Cam Thomas. At 24, he’s already built a reputation as a microwave scorer-someone who can come in and light it up in a hurry.
While he’s been limited to just eight games this season due to a hamstring injury, he’s still averaging 21.4 points per contest. The shooting splits-40.2% from the field and 35.6% from three-aren’t elite, but the volume and confidence are there.
He’s a natural bucket-getter, whether starting or coming off the bench.
The fit in L.A.
From a roster construction standpoint, this potential deal is fascinating. Porter’s contract would line up with those of James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, giving the Clippers a two-year window to see how this core could gel without locking themselves into a long-term financial commitment. That kind of flexibility is gold in today’s NBA.
Latest NBA intel with @TomerAzarly and @BrettSiegelNBA — Clutch Scoops 12/18/2025 https://t.co/bWLHveuV0g
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 18, 2025
Cam Thomas, meanwhile, could be the kind of dynamic sixth man who gives the Clippers a scoring jolt when Harden sits. He doesn’t need much time-or space-to get going, and that kind of firepower off the bench could be a game-changer in the playoffs.
What would it cost?
That’s the million-dollar question. The appeal here for L.A. is that they might not have to mortgage the future to get this done.
Both Porter and Thomas are under manageable contracts, and the Nets could be open to reshuffling their roster if the return helps them build for the future. For the Clippers, it’s a chance to test the waters with two high-upside players without tying their hands long-term.
Bottom line
This isn’t just idle speculation-it’s the kind of trade scenario that makes sense for both sides. The Clippers are in win-now mode, trying to maximize the window with Kawhi and Harden. Adding Porter’s scoring versatility and Thomas’ shot-making could elevate an already dangerous squad.
We’re still weeks away from the deadline, and plenty can change between now and then. But if the Clippers are serious about making a deep playoff run-and all signs point to yes-this is exactly the kind of swing that could make a difference come May and June.