While the Pistons have yet to inquire about Nets forward Michael Porter Jr., the team has “at least discussed him internally” ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer.
Pistons Mulling Michael Porter Jr. Trade
The Pistons have already been linked to Mavericks star forward Anthony Davis and Jazz wing Lauri Markkanen, but Fischer believes Porter is a cheaper frontcourt option for the Eastern Conference contender.
Fischer said Tuesday during Bleacher Report’s NBA Insider Notebook:
“I think Michael Porter Jr. makes total sense in Detroit. I have not been told yet that Detroit has called on Michael Porter Jr., but I have been told that they have at least discussed him internally and I think that makes a ton of sense because, as good as the Pistons are leading the Eastern Conference wire-to-wire here, they do not have a bona fide second scorer behind Cade Cunningham, and Michael Porter Jr. could be that guy.
“He is not an Anthony Davis or a Lauri Markkanen, who is going to cost you an arm and a leg in years of draft capital and also be on the books for 50, 60 million dollars moving forward. He’s only at 38 right now, and I don’t think he’s in a position to be commanding 50, 60 million going forward.”
The Pistons (28-10) have been a major surprise this season as the current No. 1 team in the East behind superstar Cade Cunningham. Detroit leads the league in blocks per game (6.7) and ranks second in points allowed per game (111.2).
Come playoff time, the Pistons could use some extra firepower on the offensive side. However, it’s unclear if Detroit will be pursuing Porter in the weeks ahead.
The Bucks and Warriors are also eyeing Porter, according to reports.
Porter Averaging Career-High Marks
Porter was selected 14th overall by the Nuggets in the 2018 NBA draft out of Missouri. He spent six seasons with Denver before the team traded him and a 2032 first-round draft pick to Brooklyn for Cameron Johnson over the summer.
Through 30 appearances (all starts) with the Nets this season, Porter is averaging career highs of 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists to go with 1.1 steals and 33.1 minutes per game.
The 6-foot-10 wing is also shooting 49.1% from the field and 40.4% from deep.
Porter recorded a season-high 35 points during a 116-103 home win over the Hornets on Dec. 1 and in a 119-101 home victory against the Pelicans on Dec. 6.
Per Spotrac, Porter is currently in the fourth year of a five-year, $172.55 million max rookie contract. He’s earning $38.33 million this season and is slated to make $40.8 million in 2026-27.
