The Denver Nuggets traded Michael Porter Jr. and a 2032 first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets last summer for Cam Johnson. Denver had to attach a valuable draft asset to get off of Porter’s five-year, $179.3 million deal, meaning he had negative trade value. However, his strong play in Brooklyn revitalized his career, and he is now a hot name floating in trade rumors ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
Michael Porter Jr.’s Career-Best Season Lifts His Trade Value
NBA insider Jake Fischer gave the latest updates surrounding Porter’s market on The Stein Line.
“Let’s begin with the simple fact that Porter, just 26 games into his Brooklyn tenure, has significantly rebuilt his stock among NBA decision-makers … ‘At worst, he’s returned to neutral value,’ one seasoned executive told me this week, ‘which is a major development.’
Porter played through a grade 2 left shoulder sprain in the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Unsurprisingly, he struggled. The former Denver forward scored just 9.1 points per contest on 39.2% efficiency and 34.3% from beyond the arc, lowering his value. Despite the injury, the Nuggets chose to go in a different direction after the Oklahoma City Thunder took them down in seven games.
Coming into the 2025-26 season, Porter knew he was coming to a Nets team that needed an offensive boost. After Cam Thomas did not play from Nov. 7 to Dec. 27 due to a hamstring injury, Porter became an even heavier usage first scoring option. He did not disappoint and has continued his offensive explosion throughout the campaign.
Porter averages a career-high 25.8 points on 18.5 shots per game, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on 29.9% usage this season. Oftentimes, players adjusting to a heavier offensive load see their efficiency numbers decrease. However, Porter’s percentages remain close to his numbers in Denver, and in some cases, he even increased his efficiency. The 14th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft shoots 41.0% on a career-best 9.2 attempts from beyond the arc.
Porter easily rises for a quality look over smaller defenders. His 6’10” frame with a lightning-fast jumpshot and high release point produces a lethal combination. Opposing teams want him to put the ball on the floor because he is turnover-prone. However, taking away Porter’s lethal catch-and-shoot game is much easier said than done.
Fischer’s “neutral value” update is key for Brooklyn. It acquired a first-round pick for Porter last summer, and he only raised his value even higher with his stellar play this season. As a result, the Nets likely receive a better return on the trade market. If they flip Porter for even more draft assets or young prospects, general manager Sean Marks deserves a lot of credit for the initial move in the 2025 offseason.
