According to Brett Siegel, the two teams did speak during the first week of 2026, but no serious trade negotiations ever materialized around Porter. Siegel reports that the Warriors internally discussed the idea of pursuing him, but quickly received indications that his asking price was significantly higher than what the broader trade market justified.

All indications coming out of Brooklyn suggest that the Nets are comfortable holding onto Porter and feel no urgency to make a deal. Rival teams continue to sense that Brooklyn views him as a focal scorer heading into the offseason, making any in-season move highly unlikely.

This situation leaves the Warriors exploring alternative paths, including the possibility of moving on from Butler despite his injury. That scenario is complicated by his age, 37, and the severity of the ACL tear, raising questions about how much value he would carry on the trade market. Still, several superstar names continue to circulate around Golden State, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis.

LeBron James’ situation with the Lakers

From the Warriors’ perspective, the LeBron James situation appears increasingly favorable, although timing remains the key issue. Any realistic movement likely comes in the offseason rather than before the February 5 trade deadline. According to ESPN, Lakers star LeBron James and his agent, Rich Paul, are set to meet with team governor Jeanie Buss to clear the air following a report that creates tension within the organization.

That meeting follows reporting from Baxter Holmes, who states that Buss grows frustrated with James over several years. The report claims that the Lakers consider not re-signing James in 2022 and even explore trade scenarios, including a potential deal with the Los Angeles Clippers.

The situation heightens tension between the player and the NBA franchise, fueling speculation that James could eventually decide against renewing his contract. Such an outcome would open the door to a potential move involving the Warriors. However, Buss later denied having any frustration with the Lakers’ superstar, while James responded by saying he does not care about reports involving himself or the organization.

Antetokounmpo’s situation with the Bucks

The relationship between Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks also continued to erode gradually over the past two years, driven by persistent rumors and public comments from both sides. According to Shams Charania, frustration surrounding Antetokounmpo is at an all-time high, with league sources suggesting that the writing is on the wall regarding his future in Milwaukee, though the timing remains uncertain.

In addition, Antetokounmpo and the Bucks intensify internal discussions about the team’s direction and long-term vision. While no immediate move appears imminent, these developments benefit the Warriors from a strategic standpoint after the injury to Butler. Any potential pursuit, however, would likely be aimed at next season rather than the current campaign.

League sources expect the Warriors to be aggressive ahead of the February deadline, and one name continues to surface above the rest, Michael Porter Jr. According to a recent update from the Dallas Hoops Journal, rival executives anticipate Golden State exploring multiple pathways to upgrade the roster despite earlier inactivity. Porter Jr. recently played in a win over the Chicago Bulls, signaling that trade talks remain fluid.

At this stage, the most realistic structure for a Porter Jr. deal involves a multi-team trade, with Kuminga likely being sent to a third franchise. While not the most straightforward scenario, the Warriors could still position themselves favorably if they are able to land Porter Jr. while moving Kuminga elsewhere.

Internally, the situation remains delicate. Although the Warriors express openness to keeping Kuminga. However, JK defined his future with the franchise, and the ongoing uncertainty creates visible tension inside the locker room. The unresolved dynamic becomes a distraction as the team pushes to stay competitive in a tight NBA Western Conference race.

Michael Porter Jr. as the right fit

Even without a finalized deal, Porter Jr. profiles as an ideal addition for Golden State. Historically, the Warriors thrive with high-level wings, from Harrison Barnes to Kevin Durant and Andrew Wiggins, and Porter Jr. fits that mold as a scoring forward who can stretch the floor and thrive next to Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.

Porter Jr. averages 25.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 48.7 percent from the field and 40.5 percent from three, all career best marks. His elevated production raises his market value significantly, meaning a package built around Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, and a first-round pick may no longer be sufficient.

Winners of two straight games and seven of their last ten, the Warriors stay afloat despite injuries, trade distractions, and mounting pressure in the Western Conference. With Curry aging and the championship window narrowing, Golden State faces a critical decision point where patience may no longer be an option.

According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Warriors are not genuinely interested in acquiring Michael Porter Jr. While Golden State was previously positioned as a serious trade candidate, internal evaluations revealed complications that ultimately made the move unattractive from their perspective.

Earlier reports indicated that Porter Jr. could be traded before the February 5 deadline, as Brooklyn looks to capitalize on what has been the best season of his career. With the Nets owing a 2027 pick swap to the Houston Rockets, the organization has little incentive to tank and instead remains focused on securing long-term cornerstone pieces to stay competitive.

Discussions even reached the stage of outlining a potential package. Insider Dalton Johnson reported that Brooklyn had set a steep asking price for Porter Jr., with one league source suggesting a return that included two first-round picks, Jonathan Kuminga, and additional salary fillers. That framework, however, no longer appears to be on the table.

Michael Porter Jr.’s potential destination

Porter Jr. continues to see his name surface in trade rumors while enjoying the most productive season of his career, one that could earn him an All-Star selection. Brooklyn has not publicly committed to moving him, but that uncertainty has not stopped rival teams from closely monitoring his availability on the trade market.

“I think he makes a ton of sense in Detroit,” NBA insider Jake Fischer said during a Bleacher Report livestream. Fischer noted that while he had not been told the Pistons had formally called about Porter Jr., the organization has discussed him internally as the trade deadline approaches.

Detroit currently leads the Eastern Conference and lacks a reliable second scorer behind Cade Cunningham. Fischer emphasized that Porter Jr. could fill that role, as the Pistons’ second-leading scorer is center Jalen Duren at 17.9 points per game, despite the team owning the conference’s best record at 28-10.

Porter Jr., 27, is averaging 25.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game this NBA season while shooting 48.6 percent from the field and 40.1 percent from three-point range across 31 appearances, production that continues to fuel league-wide interest despite Brooklyn’s uncertain stance.

According to Jake Fischer, the Los Angeles Lakers are a team to monitor in the Kuminga market. Fischer reported that the purple and gold are prioritizing the addition of a true 3-and-D wing with size, someone who can defend on the perimeter and contribute as a shooter. Sources indicated that the Lakers previously contacted Golden State about Kuminga during the sides’ restricted free agency standoff in the summer and have continued to track his situation while surveying a thin wing market.

Kuminga would represent a clear upgrade on the wings for the Lakers, but significant obstacles remain. Los Angeles lacks surplus first-round picks and does not have many attractive assets that would appeal to other franchises. That reality makes a major deadline move difficult and could also remove Kuminga from the Warriors’ preferred trade package for Porter Jr., which remains central to their plans.

Realistically, the most likely outcome for the Lakers at the deadline is moving one or two expiring contracts while preserving future cap flexibility. Their objective mirrors Golden State’s mindset around Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, reinforcing the core built around LeBron James and Luka Doncic rather than making an all-in move that compromises the future.

Kuminga’s numbers

Kuminga started the NBA season on a positive note despite the offseason drama surrounding his contract situation, but his production has dipped as the schedule progressed. He has appeared in 18 games, including 12 starts, averaging 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while shooting 43.1 percent from the field.

Over the first five games, Golden State went 4 1 while Kuminga averaged 16.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. His decision-making, defensive impact, rebounding effort, and efficiency from beyond the arc were praised, as he shot 43.8 percent from three during that stretch.

As the Warriors’ offense cooled off and they went 2 5 over the following seven games, Kuminga’s perimeter shooting also regressed, as he hit just five of 20 attempts from deep. During that span, head coach Steve Kerr openly referenced spacing concerns and adjusted the starting lineup, placing additional scrutiny on Kuminga’s fit.

A possible Lakers trade option

Kuminga profiles as an intriguing option for the Lakers because of how he generates offense. He is not a consistent catch-and-shoot threat, but he excels as a cutter, thrives in transition, and can create unassisted points, particularly with second units.

That skill set addresses a glaring weakness for Los Angeles, who rank last in the NBA in bench points per game at 24.9. While that alone may not justify surrendering one of their limited first-round picks, it could be enough to spark conversations centered around movable pieces such as Rui Hachimura as the deadline approaches.

According to Brett Siegel, the Warriors are expected to move Kuminga before the deadline, with multiple teams already monitoring the situation. Siegel reported that the Golden State is evaluating whether it can land the exact value it wants or secure the wing player it believes fits best alongside Stephen Curry. Michael Porter Jr., Trey Murphy III, and Herb Jones are currently viewed as the Warriors’ top three trade targets.

Among those names, Porter Jr. appears to be the primary focus. Siegel noted that Golden State would consider a package built around Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, and a first-round pick. The uncertainty lies in whether that offer would satisfy the Brooklyn Nets and whether Brooklyn are willing to move Porter Jr. at all before the deadline.

For the Warriors, this moment represents an opportunity they have been waiting for, especially after a turbulent offseason and inconsistent performances from Kuminga. Porter Jr. is widely seen as a seamless fit within Steve Kerr’s offensive system, offering elite shooting and spacing that could immediately benefit Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler.

A potential obstacle in trade negotiations

One of the main concerns surrounding the negotiations is what the Warriors are willing to include beyond Kuminga and possibly Moody. Given Porter Jr.’s strong season and rising value across the league, Golden State may be underestimating the price required to finalize a deal.

As Siegel previously reported, the Warriors are reluctant to include more than one first-round pick in any offer, despite Porter Jr. being their top target. That stance could complicate discussions, particularly with a Nets organization that is focused on rebuilding with young talent and long-term assets.

Adding another layer to the situation, journalist Dalton Johnson reported that the Warriors remain cautious when it comes to using future draft capital. While that approach may seem contradictory, it reflects Golden State’s attempt to balance immediate contention with maintaining flexibility for the future.

Ultimately, the Warriors appear committed to negotiating primarily with active players rather than draft assets, seeking an immediate impact player who can compete alongside Curry, Green, and Butler. At the same time, the front office is trying to preserve enough long-term value to ensure stability beyond the current NBA championship window.

According to The Athletic’s John Hollinger, Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. is widely expected to be moved ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline. Hollinger reported that a trusted league source described Porter Jr. as “a lock” to be dealt, as Brooklyn looks to capitalize on what has been the best season of his career. With the Nets owing a 2027 pick swap to the Houston Rockets, the organization has little incentive to tank and instead needs long-term cornerstone pieces.

That is where Kuminga enters the conversation. NBC Sports Bay Area insider Dalton Johnson reported that the Nets have already established a significant asking price for Porter Jr. One league source suggested the package could include two first-round picks, Jonathan Kuminga, and additional salary fillers to make the trade work under the cap.

From Golden State’s perspective, such a move is at least financially and structurally possible. The Warriors control up to three tradable first-round picks and retain access to future selections in 2026, 2027, and 2028. That flexibility allows them to negotiate aggressively if they believe Porter Jr. is the right fit to complement Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green in a renewed title push.

The rising value of Porter Jr.

Porter Jr.’s trade value is arguably at its peak right now. If he maintains his current level of play, interest around the league is expected to remain strong not only at the deadline but also into the offseason, giving the Nets leverage in any negotiations.

During the season, Porter Jr. appeared in 29 games for Brooklyn, averaging just over 33 minutes per contest. He posted career-best numbers across the board with 25.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, while shooting 49 percent from the field, 39.7 percent from three-point range, and 83.3 percent from the free-throw line. His rebounding, playmaking, and shot volume also reached new highs.

Selected 14th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft, Porter Jr. previously established himself as one of the league’s elite shooters while playing alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray with the Denver Nuggets.

He played a key role in Denver’s 2023 NBA championship run, reinforcing why he was once considered the top high school prospect in the country. This season has served as a reminder of that pedigree, and it explains why the Warriors are closely monitoring the situation as they look to maximize Curry’s championship window.

Michael Porter Jr. recently spoke on the Glory Daze podcast with Johnny Manziel, reflecting on his time with the Nuggets and their playoff matchups against the Lakers. During the conversation, he opened up about what it was like playing alongside Jokic.

“I didn’t really know much about Nikola, honestly. I did not. And he wasn’t the superstar he is now when I first got drafted,” Porter Jr. said, recalling Jokic’s rookie season.

“I really didn’t see it at first,” Porter Jr. added when asked if he noticed Jokic’s potential right away. “Even when we went into training camp, I remember asking my teammates, ‘Wait, so this dude is really that good?’ Everybody kept telling me he’s that cold, but in training camp, he and Mason Plumlee, our backup center, were kind of going head-to-head.”

Despite perceptions that Jokic plays reluctantly, on the court he reveals the opposite. “They were like, ‘No, Mike, wait till the real games come. You’re going to see this dude’s a problem. He could score 50 every single night if he wanted to.’ I didn’t see it at first, but I quickly found out that nah, he is him and he is the best player in the world.”

Porter Jr. also emphasized that Jokic’s approach goes beyond perception, comparing him to LeBron James in terms of consistency and professionalism. “People think Nikola doesn’t care that much, but he cares so much about basketball and being great, and that’s why he is the player he is. I haven’t seen anyone in my life that consistent.”

“You know, I’ve heard the stories of LeBron and how he maintains his greatness day to day. Nikola is the same way,” Porter Jr. continued. “It doesn’t matter if he goes out the night before. It doesn’t matter. He’s getting his work in, he’s getting his treatment, he’s taking care of himself, and he’s going to be ready to go when the game comes around,” Porter Jr. said, highlighting Jokic’s relentless preparation.

For Nuggets fans and NBA observers alike, Porter Jr.’s reflections shed light on why Jokic has become one of the most dominant and disciplined players in the league, quietly matching the standards set by the game’s elite.

“Honestly, I’m not like a super anxious guy or anything like that,” Porter Jr. told Erik Slater of Clutch Points. “So on the plane when I found out, I was kind of just like, ‘Well, I’m traded,’ and took a nap afterwards.”

Porter Jr. spoke about his strong performance last season in Denver, where he averaged around 18 points, and added what he could bring to Brooklyn: “I averaged 21 [points] one year. Last year, I was around 18 as the third option. I just feel like I have more in my tank still. I don’t feel like I’ve reached my peak, and I’m excited to grow my game, expand my game, explore my game, and see what I could do.”

How Michael Porter Jr. Can Boost the Nets

Michael Porter Jr.’s arrival in Brooklyn is more than necessary following the departure of Cameron Johnson, who contributed 18.8 points per game last season. Porter Jr. is therefore a perfect fit to fill that void.

Porter Jr.’s consistent performance makes him a relatively valuable player for the Nets. He holds a career average of 16.2 points per game and has maintained above that mark for the past three seasons. His highest single-season average was 19 points per game during the 2020-21 NBA season.

Porter Jr. Willing to Adjust to New York

The Nets missed the playoffs last season despite having players with relatively good averages. Porter Jr. joins the team aiming to help, but he’ll also need to adjust, as New York isn’t his favorite city.

“I always said New York was my least favorite NBA city,” Porter Jr. said. “Just because I grew up in the Midwest, where there’s so much space and no traffic. So it’ll be an adjustment. But I think it’ll end up being an amazing place for me.”

Michael Porter Jr., a key contributor during Denver’s 2023 championship campaign, has been traded to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Cam Johnson. The move is widely viewed as a cost-cutting decision that also gives the Nuggets more roster flexibility heading into next season.

The trade surprised many around the league, including Porter Jr. himself. But the 27-year-old forward is embracing the opportunity for a fresh start. “I’m really excited for this next chapter out here in Brooklyn,” Porter Jr. said on his YouTube channel in his first public comments since the deal. “Over there in Denver, I felt like my ceiling had kind of plateaued. We just have a way of playing—how Joker plays, how Jamal [Murray] plays—that two-man game is very potent.”

“That’s how we played, and I’m so appreciative of it—we ended up winning a championship,” he added. “But I do feel like my ceiling in Denver plateaued a little bit, and I’m excited for this next chapter in Brooklyn… I’m excited to expand my game and be able to do what I do.”

Over the past three seasons, Porter Jr. averaged 17.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while shooting 49% from the field, 40% from three, and 78% from the line. His size, rebounding ability, and shot-making were assets next to Jokic, but concerns remained about his decision-making, defensive impact, and consistency—particularly during the playoffs.

Statistically, Porter Jr.’s numbers aren’t poor, but his efficiency and reliability significantly dropped when the Nuggets needed him most. His underwhelming NBA postseason performances raised legitimate concerns inside the organization.

Porter Jr. is still owed $79 million over the next two years. By dealing him for Johnson—who is on a more manageable $21 million contract—the Nuggets moved below the second tax apron, giving them access to the $14.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception. The trade also generated a $16.8 million trade exception.

This trade, along with other moves Denver has made this summer, could end up maximizing Jokic’s prime. By improving depth and cap flexibility, the Nuggets may reassert themselves as serious contenders for the 2025-26 NBA title—something they believe is within reach with a more balanced roster.

The moment we’ve been waiting for is finally here. The stage is set for the 2023 NBA Finals, with the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat ready to battle it out for the championship. Apart from the coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy, the other award at stake will be the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award.

For many, it will be a two-man battle. Nikola Jokic and Jimmy Butler are the faces of their respective teams, which is why many believe they will be crucial to determine the winner of the series.

It makes sense, since both of them have played at an incredible level in this playoffs so far. However, in sports there’s always room for surprise, so let’s take a look at other potential candidates to take the limelight in the NBA Finals.

4. Bam Adebayo

While Jimmy Buckets often steals all the headlines, Bam Adebayo does the dirty work to let his teammates have the freedom to shine. The Heat big man plays a pivotal role in both ends of the floor, so he’s definitely a player to watch in this series.

Adebayo, who has been in Miami since the 2017 NBA Draft, is the co-star Butler needed to get here. Ahead of Game 1, the center averages 16.8 PPG, 9.2 RPG and 3.8 APG in this playoffs.

3. Michael Porter Jr.

The Joker is without any doubt the biggest reason why the Nuggets got here. However, this is still a team sport, and it would be unfair to overlook the job done by the rest of his teammates.

Jokic’s supporting cast has also been crucial to help Denver reach the Finals. Michael Porter Jr., for instance, averages 8.0 RBS in this postseason, only behind the Serbian star. He’s also the third Nuggets player with the highest PPG average (14.6).

2. Caleb Martin

If there’s a Heat player who has taken everyone by surprise this year, that’s Caleb Martin. His story is already well known around the league, he went undrafted in 2019 and was later cut by the Hornets before landing in Miami on a two-way contract.

Eventually, Erik Spoelstra proved to know best. Not only did Martin make the roster, but he also became a key contributor in the starting lineup. His performances in the playoffs have been outstanding so far, especially in the Conference Finals.

1. Jamal Murray

As we’ve said before, to reduce the Nuggets’ chances to Jokic would be unfair to the rest of the team. In this journey, The Joker has had the perfect teammate by his side in the form of Jamal Murray.

Second in PPG (27.7) and APG (6.1) for the Nuggets (only behind the Serbian) in this playoffs, the guard has been playing with a chip on his shoulder lately. So we could definitely have a potential Finals MVP here.