During the 2025 offseason, the Nets and Nuggets were involved in a trade. Denver sent Michael Porter Jr. and a 2032 first-round pick to Brooklyn for Cam Johnson.
This was a cost-cutting move by the Nuggets. Cam Johnson is on the books for $21 million in 2025-26 compared to $38 million for Michael Porter Jr. However, Brooklyn looks to be the early winner of that trade. MPJ has taken his game to another level with the Nets. So much so that rival teams around the NBA are targeting Porter Jr. at the 2025-26 deadline. Would Brooklyn part ways with the 27-year-old for even more draft capital?
Michael Porter Jr. could be another trade asset for the Nets
The Nets prefer to see how they do in the draft lottery before trading Michael Porter Jr, per @TheSteinLine
“The Nets would rather not trade him now, to wait till the offseason, see how they do in the lottery, and then make a decision.”
(https://t.co/kRGt9ooE75) pic.twitter.com/dUIv8bQFJT
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) January 12, 2026
The Nets are 11-25 in 2025-26, and Michael Porter Jr. has started 29 of those 36 games. In his first season with Brooklyn, Porter Jr. is playing an expanded role. One he never came close to seeing with the Nuggets. Michael Porter Jr. is averaging a career-high 25.9 points per game for the Nets. All while shooting .397% from beyond the arc. The one-time NBA champion has enjoyed a hot start to 2025-26. Rival teams around the NBA have shown interest in trading for Michael Porter Jr.
However, there have been conflicting reports from sources around the league. John Hollinger of The Athletic first reported that Michael Porter Jr. is “a lock” to be moved by Brooklyn in 2025-25. NBA insider Marc Stein reports that he’s received pushback that MPJ will be moved by the deadline. Stein believes Brooklyn could wait until the 2026 offseason. He suggests the team wants to wait for the results of the 2026 draft lottery before trading MPJ.
REPORT: Michael Porter Jr. is a “lock” to be traded before the trade deadline, per @johnhollinger pic.twitter.com/kSZML1ePH4
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 10, 2026
Marc Stein did mention John Hollinger as a trusted source around the NBA. If Hollinger had sources tell him MPJ is “a lock” to be traded, Stein said there could be some validity. Two teams that have shown real interest in Michael Porter Jr. are the Warriors and Bucks. Golden State is eager to cash in on the championship window they have left with Steph Curry on the roster.
Milwaukee is desperate to add another star player to make Giannis Antetokounmpo pleased. Brooklyn is in a tough spot with Michael Porter Jr. He’s been a veteran player that his teammates have relied on in 2025-26.
MPJ has been a leader on and off the court for the Nets. If Brooklyn received the right trade package, they could part ways with Porter Jr. Offers could start to increase closer to the deadline on February 5. Will Michael Porter Jr. finish the 205-26 season with the Brooklyn Nets?
