The Brooklyn Nets are back in familiar territory - navigating another rebuild, recalibrating their roster, and eyeing the trade market with clear intent. As the NBA trade deadline looms in early February, Brooklyn is opening the phone lines and making it known: most of their veteran pieces are available, including their current leading scorer, Michael Porter Jr.
According to league sources, the Nets are “willing to listen to pitches on the bulk of their veteran players,” which signals a shift from short-term competitiveness to long-term flexibility. And that’s not just about moving players.
Brooklyn is also looking to play the role of trade facilitator - the middleman in multi-team deals - with a goal of converting unused cap space into future draft assets. It’s a smart play for a team that’s not quite ready to contend but wants to be ready when the next big opportunity comes.
Porter Jr. on the Block - But It’s Complicated
Among the names being floated, Michael Porter Jr. stands out - not just because of his production, but because of the financial weight tied to his name. The former NBA champion came to Brooklyn in a summer deal with Denver, who were eager to shed the remainder of his five-year, $179.3 million max contract. In return, the Nets sent out Cam Thomas and picked up a 2032 first-rounder, giving them a valuable future chip in exchange for taking on a sizeable salary commitment.
Now, Porter Jr. is putting up the best numbers of his career - averaging 25.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. Those are not just empty stats.
He’s shown he can contribute on a winning team, as he did during the Nuggets’ 2023 title run. But any team looking to acquire him has to be ready to absorb two more years and $80 million.
That’s a serious commitment, especially for a player whose health history and contract have raised questions in the past.
Other Names in Play
Brooklyn isn’t limiting conversations to Porter Jr. Cam Thomas, Nic Claxton, and Ziaire Williams are also on the table, though the level of interest - and return - will vary.
Claxton, in particular, could draw attention from contenders in need of rim protection and switchable defense. Thomas, with his microwave scoring ability, remains intriguing, especially on a smaller deal.
Williams is still developing, but his athletic upside could appeal to teams looking to invest in youth.
The Nets’ willingness to engage in nearly any type of deal - from simple player swaps to more complex, multi-team transactions - shows a front office that’s staying nimble. They’re not just selling; they’re maneuvering.
The goal isn’t to tank. It’s to retool.
And if they can turn veteran contracts into picks or younger assets, they’ll do it.
The Bigger Picture in Brooklyn
This isn’t a teardown. It’s a strategic pivot.
Brooklyn’s front office is clearly playing the long game, leveraging the flexibility they gained by taking on big money in the offseason. They’re not rushing to force a rebuild, but they’re not clinging to a mid-tier roster, either.
With the trade deadline approaching, expect the Nets to be active - not just as sellers, but as facilitators, opportunists, and maybe even surprise buyers if the right deal presents itself. They’ve got the cap space, the assets, and the motivation to shake things up.
Whether or not Porter Jr. gets moved, one thing’s clear: Brooklyn’s not standing still.