The Brooklyn Nets may be in the early stages of a rebuild, but that doesn’t mean they’re standing still. According to recent trade chatter, forward Michael Porter Jr. - who’s been lighting it up this season - could be on the move again, this time in a blockbuster proposal that would send him and Haywood Highsmith to the Golden State Warriors.
In return, the Nets would receive a package centered around young talent and future draft capital: Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, a top-five protected 2028 first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap (protected 21-30). It's the kind of deal that signals a franchise thinking long-term while still bringing in players who can contribute right away.
Let’s start with the obvious: Porter Jr. has been on a tear this season. Averaging a career-high 25.7 points per game on an efficient 49.1% shooting, he’s been one of the few bright spots in Brooklyn’s lineup.
His offensive versatility - smooth off the dribble, lethal in catch-and-shoot, and increasingly comfortable creating his own shot - has made him a tough cover every night. But with the Nets not quite in win-now mode, flipping a high-performing scorer for multiple assets might be a smart play.
From Brooklyn’s perspective, the real headline here isn’t just the players coming back - it’s the picks. The 2028 first-rounder and the 2030 swap could become major assets, especially if Golden State’s dynasty window closes sooner rather than later.
If Stephen Curry doesn’t re-up after his current deal expires next season, that pick value could skyrocket. For a team in transition, those future chips could be gold.
Now, let’s talk about the players. Kuminga is still just scratching the surface of his potential.
He’s a high-flying, athletic forward who can defend multiple positions and score in transition. He hasn’t had a consistent role in Golden State’s rotation, but with more minutes and freedom in Brooklyn, he could take a leap.
Moody, shooting 38.2% from beyond the arc this season, brings reliable perimeter shooting and solid defensive instincts - a valuable 3-and-D piece in today’s league.
And then there’s Buddy Hield. One of the league’s premier shooters since he entered the NBA, Hield could either help space the floor in Brooklyn or serve as a trade chip down the line for a contender desperate for shooting. Either way, he fits the mold of a player who can help now or be flipped later.
This proposed trade would be a savvy move for a Nets front office trying to stockpile assets without completely bottoming out. They’ve already leaned into acquiring playmakers through the draft. Now, adding play-finishers like Kuminga, Moody, and Hield could help balance out the roster - and give them flexibility moving forward.
For the Warriors, bringing in Porter Jr. would be a bold swing to maximize the tail end of the Curry era. But for Brooklyn, this is about building for what comes next - and doing it with a mix of young talent and future picks that could shape the franchise’s next chapter.