The Brooklyn Nets may be trending in the right direction after Wednesday’s 114-104 win over the Charlotte Hornets, but that doesn’t mean the trade chatter is going away.
Jake Fischer said on a Bleacher Report livestream on Nov. 3 that he still views Brooklyn as a team leaning toward selling, even if the Nets are not headed for a total teardown. At the 7:26 mark, Fischer addressed where the team stands in the market and pointed to Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr. as possible names that could bring back meaningful value.
“If anything, Brooklyn I would still categorize as a team that is in more of a sell situation. I believe that Brooklyn will hope that Julius Randle [and/or] Michael Porter Jr. could still potentially draw some real returns,” Fischer said.
He added that the Nets’ situation is complicated by the fact that they do not control their draft pick this year and are trying to improve in the Eastern Conference.
“The Nets also don't have their draft pick this year, and they're looking to be better and and compete in the Eastern Conference and take some strides forward in the East,” Fischer continued. “So, I don't think they're going to be a full sell job right now, but I do think that they are still in a position to solicit trade offers for their veterans to get draft capital [and] potentially young pieces back in return.”
Porter had already been viewed as a possible trade piece entering the season, largely because he would likely carry more value to a playoff team than to a rebuilding Brooklyn roster. Randle’s arrival only adds another layer to the discussion, especially if rival teams are not willing to meet the Nets’ asking price.
Both veterans have produced strong numbers so far. Porter, 28, is averaging 21.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 46.3% from the field and 38.9% from three. Randle, 32, is putting up 21.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game while shooting 42.9% overall and 34.1% from deep.
Even with that production, the conversation isn’t going away. Whether Brooklyn keeps both players or turns them into future assets will remain a live topic until the February trade deadline passes.
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