As the NBA trade deadline approaches in February, the Golden State Warriors are reportedly circling one of the hottest scorers on the market: Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. According to Forbes’ Evan Sidery, the Dubs are among three teams—alongside the Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons—that have inquired about the 6’10” wing. With the Warriors sitting at 16-15 and searching for ways to reignite their playoff hopes around Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, Porter’s explosive offensive game has fans dreaming big. But is this the move that catapults Golden State back into contention, or will the cost be too steep?
Steve Kerr
Porter is having a breakout season in Brooklyn after being traded from Denver in the offseason. The 27-year-old is averaging 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, while shooting an impressive 49.1% from the field and 40.1% from three. His effective field-goal percentage sits at 59.0%, edging out even Curry’s 58.7% this season. This isn’t just volume scoring—Porter is efficient, versatile, and thriving in a bigger role. He’s a monster off the catch, cuts to the rim with purpose, and stretches defenses with his deep range. In short, he’s the kind of high-level wing scorer every contending team covets.
For the Warriors, Porter’s fit is almost too perfect on paper. Steve Kerr’s motion offense thrives on players who can shoot off movement, and Porter mirrors the style that made Klay Thompson so deadly—relentless off-ball threat with size and touch. Curry and Butler excel at creating high-quality looks, and Porter would feast on the gravity they generate. More importantly, Golden State desperately needs help inside. The Warriors rank near the bottom of the league in points in the paint (around 42.5 per game, per recent reports), with limited options beyond a few role players. Porter, who averages around 8.5 points in the paint, brings dynamic interior scoring that could transform their attack overnight. The team is also middling in offensive rating (22nd in some advanced metrics like Cleaning the Glass), and adding a third legitimate scoring option would give them the firepower to match Western Conference elites.
In simpler terms: Golden State is one of the few teams with only two players averaging double figures in scoring. Plugging in Porter would instantly make them one of just a handful with three guys at 19+ points per game—a massive upgrade from weakness to strength.
But here’s where the drama kicks in—the price tag. Porter is earning $38.3 million this season and $40.8 million next year (part of his five-year, $179M extension from Denver), making him a pricey target. The Nets, in full rebuild mode, are listening to offers but want young talent and draft picks in return. They have zero interest in Draymond Green, so any deal likely starts with Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody—the Warriors’ young wings with big contracts. To match salaries, Buddy Hield or Al Horford would probably need to be included.
A realistic package could look like this: Warriors receive: Michael Porter Jr. Nets receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, and a couple of first-round picks (perhaps 2026 and 2028).
It’s a gut punch—surrendering two young pieces and valuable draft capital for a player who’s never been an elite defender. But with Curry’s window closing, this might be the bold move to supercharge the season. Porter could be the most dynamic scorer available under $40M, especially if other targets like Trey Murphy III stay untouchable. The Nets aren’t rushing to move him, so Golden State might have to overpay—but for a guy who could turn their offense from good to elite? It might be worth it.
As the deadline nears, Warriors fans are buzzing: Could Porter be the spark that reignites the dynasty? Stay locked in—this trade saga could define Golden State’s future. Go Dubs!