Michael Porter Jr. is having the kind of season that turns heads-and not just among fans. Front offices around the league are taking notice, too.
The Brooklyn Nets forward is reportedly drawing interest from several teams ahead of the February trade deadline, including the Bucks, Pistons, and Warriors. According to recent reports, those teams have checked in on Porter’s availability, and the Nets are listening-particularly if the return includes young talent or draft picks.
And honestly, it’s not hard to see why.
Porter is putting together a career-best campaign in his first season with Brooklyn. Through 24 games, he’s averaging 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per night.
He’s shooting just under 50% from the field and over 40% from beyond the arc-elite numbers for a 6’10” forward who can score at all three levels. He’s looking more confident, more aggressive, and more comfortable than he ever did in Denver.
This version of Michael Porter Jr.? He’s not just a floor spacer or a secondary option. He’s playing like a featured scorer-something Brooklyn has desperately needed as it continues to retool its roster.
The Nets acquired Porter this past offseason in a deal that sent Cam Johnson to Denver and brought back a 2032 first-round pick along with Porter. At the time, it looked like a salary maneuver by the Nuggets, who were looking to clear cap space. But for Brooklyn, it’s turning into a potential win-either as a long-term piece or as a valuable trade asset.
Porter still has just over $79 million left on the five-year rookie extension he signed with Denver back in 2021. He’s making $38.3 million this season, with another year on the books at around $40 million before hitting unrestricted free agency. That contract isn’t cheap, but with the way he’s producing, it’s starting to look a lot more team-friendly-especially for a contender in need of scoring on the wing.
And that’s where things get interesting.
Brooklyn sits at 9-19 and isn’t in the playoff picture right now. This is a team still focused on the long-term, and while Porter has been a bright spot, the Nets may see an opportunity to sell high. His trade value is climbing fast, and if the right offer comes along-think prospects and picks-it might make sense to pull the trigger now rather than waiting until the offseason, when he becomes an expiring contract.
Teams like Milwaukee, Detroit, and Golden State all have different motivations. The Bucks are in win-now mode and could use another scoring threat alongside Giannis.
The Warriors are looking to retool around Steph while they still can. The Pistons?
They’re rebuilding, but adding a 25-year-old scorer with upside might be worth exploring if they can make the money work.
For now, Brooklyn is keeping its options open. Porter is playing the best basketball of his career, and whether that leads to a long-term future in Brooklyn or a trade to a contender, one thing’s clear: his stock is rising fast-and the league is watching.