Michael Porter Jr.‘s move to the Brooklyn Nets was one of the first major announcements when the free agency window opened this season. While many were perplexed by the Denver Nuggets‘ decision, the trade proved to be quite positive for the forward.

Statistically, Michael Porter Jr. is having the best season of his career. While effectively becoming the focal point of the Nets’ offense, he is averaging 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game on 49.1% shooting from the field and 40.1% from three-point range.

For the most part, the 27-year-old has been impressive. Despite his brilliance, the Nets post a 9-19 record (13th in the East), shedding light on his limited impact on victories.

In all fairness, the Nets weren’t expected to be a competitive team this season. As a franchise in the middle of a rebuild, Brooklyn is on the mend. In pursuit of making changes, however, the Nets are also reportedly open to listening to trade offers for Michael Porter Jr.

While shocking, the Nets’ decision is also understandable. Given his current form, trading Porter Jr. could also help them acquire some solid assets to structure their rebuild.

Keeping this in mind, we explore four of the best decisions for Porter Jr. should the Nets decide to pull the trigger on a potential trade.

 

Los Angeles Clippers

Proposed Trade Details

Los Angeles Clippers Receive: Michael Porter Jr.

Brooklyn Nets Receive: John Collins, Derrick Jones Jr., 2031 first-round pick

For the Nets, acquiring a first-round pick would be the priority. Additionally, the acquisitions of John Collins and Derrick Jones Jr. could be beneficial due to Collins’ $26.5 million expiring contract and Jones’ short-term deal.

Similarly, Michael Porter Jr.’s addition would be of great benefit to the Clippers. Given the team’s current position at 13th in the West, it is clear that Los Angeles needs to make some upgrades. While the team has been linked with several players, none may have the impact Porter Jr. does.

As a pure offensive force, Porter Jr. would be capable of contributing to L.A.’s scoring effort, which is currently reliant on James Harden and Kawhi Leonard to produce. By adding a third star, the Clippers can strengthen their offense, effectively making them a greater threat.

Additionally, a shooter like Porter Jr. could flourish in a system like the Clippers’, which is run by a gifted playmaker like Harden. Considering how this could be a boost for Los Angeles, they may view this move very favorably.

 

Golden State Warriors

Proposed Trade Details

Golden State Warriors Receive: Michael Porter Jr.

Brooklyn Nets Receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Gui Santos, 2027 first-round pick

In many ways, this trade presents the best outlook for both teams involved.

Trading Porter Jr. would force the Nets to find a new franchise cornerstone. With this trade, Brooklyn would acquire it in the form of Jonathan Kuminga, along with a gifted two-way player in Moses Moody, Gui Santos, and a valuable first-round pick.

For the Warriors, acquiring Michael Porter Jr. could be ideal. The 27-year-old is one of the best flat-out scorers in the game. Although the Warriors aren’t lacking in terms of firepower, adding a capable offensive threat to support Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler may prove worthwhile.

Porter Jr.’s play style fits seamlessly with the Warriors’ system. With the opportunity to gain open looks and even create more scoring chances for Curry simply by being on the floor, the forward may also reap the benefits of this move.

Currently, Golden State has an offensive rating of 113.3 (21st in the NBA). Although the team has returned to .500 on the season, it seems necessary for them to improve, especially considering their title aspirations. With Porter Jr. positioned as the ideal scoring boost, the Dubs may be inclined to trade for him.

 

Boston Celtics

Proposed Trade Details

Boston Celtics Receive: Michael Porter Jr.

Brooklyn Nets Receive: Anfernee Simons, Sam Hauser, 2031 first-round pick

Sending Michael Porter Jr. to the Boston Celtics could be an intriguing move on the Nets’ behalf. Along with a first-round pick in this trade scenario, Brooklyn would also be acquiring Anfernee Simons and Sam Hauser.

Considering that Simons is on an expiring contract worth $27.6 million, the Nets may view his acquisition positively, primarily from the perspective of gaining cap flexibility next year.

For the Celtics, however, acquiring Porter Jr. may have comparatively more upside.

Boston has been an impressive team this season. Despite Jayson Tatum‘s absence and a major offseason roster change, the Celtics have earned a place among the top three teams in the East.

While it is early in the season, the Celtics seem poised to secure a playoff berth. Given their intentions of competing for the title once Tatum returns, bringing in a player like Michael Porter Jr. could prove worthwhile.

A player like Porter Jr. would thrive in Boston’s perimeter-heavy offensive system. When also considering his versatility as an off-ball player, the Celtics could benefit from the scoring punch he’d bring. This would also help in taking some of the scoring burden off Jaylen Brown.

 

Sacramento Kings

Proposed Trade Details

Sacramento Kings Receive: Michael Porter Jr.

Brooklyn Nets Receive: DeMar DeRozan, Dario Saric, Devin Carter, 2027 first-round pick, 2029 second-round pick (DET/MIL/NYK)

This trade scenario primarily caters to the Nets’ needs as a rebuilding franchise. By acquiring two draft picks, Brooklyn adds to its wealth of draft capital. Although acquiring DeMar DeRozan, Dario Saric, and Devin Carter may seem insignificant, with Saric’s expiring contract and DeRozan’s short-term deal, the Nets could look to add more future cap flexibility.

For Michael Porter Jr., this move may seem lateral, since he would be joining a franchise on the verge of a rebuild. But the potential for him to be a star in Sacramento is also worth noting.

The Kings have already established that Keegan Murray and Nique Clifford are their only untouchable assets at this stage. By adding Porter Jr. to its core, Sacramento becomes an interesting offensive unit.

Although such a move may not immediately help the Kings become a competitive side, it could set them on the right path. However, with the 27-year-old entering his prime, there may be some frustration on his end if he doesn’t end up playing winning basketball.

 

What Is The Best Move For Michael Porter Jr.?

Michael Porter Jr. finds himself in an odd situation. While he is undoubtedly the Brooklyn Nets’ best player, the team isn’t in a position to compete for a playoff spot. Having displayed a commitment to instead fight for a potential lottery pick, Porter Jr. essentially finds himself being sacrificed for the team’s plans.

Amid all the trade chatter, it seems clear that a move would be in his best interests. Keeping the aforementioned teams in mind, the Warriors or the Celtics may prove to be the ideal landing spots for the 27-year-old.

Both teams are competitive and have expressed title aspirations. Given that both also feature an offensive system that aligns with his playing style, the forward could find himself in a position to make use of his skills.

The challenge ultimately lies in how willing teams are to pursue the forward. As a valuable offensive asset, several teams are likely to show an interest in acquiring him.