The Golden State Warriors have been linked to some big-name trade targets in recent weeks-think Giannis Antetokounmpo, Trey Murphy III-but let’s be honest: those dream scenarios feel more like fantasy than reality as we approach the February 5 trade deadline. That doesn’t mean the Warriors are sitting idle, though. There’s a name gaining real traction in league circles, and it’s one that could make a significant impact without completely gutting the team’s future.
Enter Michael Porter Jr.
According to insider reporting, the Brooklyn Nets are open for business when it comes to Porter, who’s quietly putting together the best season of his career. The 6'10" forward is averaging 25.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, shooting 49.3% from the field and a scorching 40% from deep on over nine attempts per night.
That kind of efficiency on that kind of volume? It’s no fluke-Porter’s finally looking like the complete offensive weapon many projected he could be when healthy.
Now, Brooklyn’s stance is clear: they’re fielding calls on most of their veteran pieces, Porter included. They’re also open to being a third-party facilitator in multi-team deals, especially if it means flipping unused cap space into future draft assets. That flexibility could open the door for a team like Golden State to get creative.
So what would it take to land Porter? A package centered around Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, and a first-round pick might be enough to get the conversation started.
That’s not a small price, but it’s also nowhere near the haul it would take to pry someone like Antetokounmpo out of Milwaukee. And crucially, it’s a deal that could keep the Warriors from completely mortgaging their future.
There’s also the contract to consider. Porter is owed $40.8 million next season, but it’s an expiring deal. That’s a big number, sure, but in the grand scheme, it wouldn’t block Golden State from clearing significant cap space ahead of the 2027 offseason-a window that could be key for retooling around whatever core remains.
From a basketball standpoint, Porter fills a glaring need. The Warriors’ offense has struggled through the first third of the season, ranking just 20th in the league.
They’ve lacked consistent scoring behind Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, and Porter’s size and shot-making could be a game-changer in that regard. He wouldn’t need to carry the same offensive load he has in Brooklyn, but as a third option who can stretch the floor, knock down tough shots, and create mismatches, he’d slot in nicely.
And let’s not overlook the playoff pedigree. Porter played a key role during Denver’s championship run, giving him the kind of postseason experience Golden State values. This isn’t a raw prospect or a one-dimensional scorer-they’d be getting a proven contributor who’s been in the fire and come out the other side.
The Warriors are in a tricky spot. They’re not quite title favorites, but they’re not in rebuild mode either. A move like this-adding a player in his prime who fits their timeline and addresses real on-court needs-could be the kind of calculated swing that keeps them in the mix out West.
The trade deadline is still weeks away, and a lot can change. But if the Warriors are serious about making noise this season, Michael Porter Jr. might just be the kind of move that makes sense-for now and for what comes next.