Citing a “trusted league source,” John Hollinger of The Athletic reported over the weekend that Michael Porter Jr. is a “lock” to be traded by the Nets ahead of the deadline. Other NBA insiders haven’t been so bold, however.
In his latest Substack story, Marc Stein acknowledges some people around the league think the Nets will take a “sell high” approach to Porter’s breakout season and move him by February 5. But Stein continues to hear “pushback” about Brooklyn’s desire to trade Porter prior to the offseason, and says he’s not sure what the Nets will do.
Speaking to Justin Shackil on Yes Network (Twitter video link), Michael Scotto of HoopsHype also expressed some doubt about the possibility of Porter being involved in an in-season trade.
“Right now, a lot of teams across the league — more contending teams — have called, just to get a sense of where he’s at,” Scotto said. “But one thing I will tell you and the viewers as well, Justin, is that the Nets, looking ahead towards next season, they’re going to want to take a step forward. Michael Porter Jr. could very well be a part of that with the way he’s playing. And he’s still young, in his prime.
“So I would temper expectations on a trade, at least at this point. But certainly, he’s gained more interest around the league and I don’t think anybody has helped his value more than him given the All-Star production and efficiency he has shown this season so far.”
The Warriors and Bucks have inquired about Porter since the start of January, per Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, but the Nets haven’t made it known they actually want to move the sharpshooting forward. Brooklyn’s starting point in talks for Porter is a “valuable first-round pick,” according Siegel, who says even if that asking price is met it doesn’t necessarily mean the team will trade him.
Scotto also discussed Nic Claxton, whose descending contract holds some appeal to rival teams. Scotto reported that the Pacers and Warriors are among the teams who have expressed interest in the seventh-year center, but also said the Nets consider the 26-year-old part of their future.
Siegel has heard similarly, writing that the Nets value Claxton and would want a minimum of first-round pick and “players of value” in return who can help expedite the team’s rebuild.