Warriors Trade Idea Brings New Splash Brother to Golden State

The Golden State Warriors have made it clear to the league that they are looking to make some moves at this NBA trade deadline. As Stephen Curry continues to prove that he is worth building around, the Warriors will look at what kind of moves they could make to increase Curry’s chances of competing for one more title.

One name that has been floated around in Warriors trade rumors is Michael Porter Jr. MPJ is having a career year in Brooklyn, but as a rebuilding team, the Nets have been listening to offers to sell high on their leading scorer in return for younger talent and draft picks. 

Marc Delucchi of Golden State of Mind recently put together a Warriors-MPJ trade idea that could benefit both squads. 

The trade looks like this: "Warriors get: Michael Porter Jr.

Nets get: Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, and 2026 Warriors 1st (top-4 protected, else 2027 unprotected 1st)

Porter would address the Warriors' lack of scoring punch and size alongside Steph, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. While his $38.3 million salary would make it difficult for the team to match salaries, a package of Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and Buddy Hield would be sufficient and clear enough space to add Pat Spencer to the roster and another player. Kuminga and Hield are already out of the rotation. While Moody provides solid wing depth, Porter would be an immediate upgrade that would justify parting with the Dubs' 2026 first-round pick…

While his unique combination of size, rebounding, shooting, and scoring is hard to come by, Porter's injury history, off-court drama, and defensive struggles make him a secondary contributor on a championship contender. However, his annual $40 million salary is a cumbersome hurdle for a trade. His contract will prevent many contenders from trying to trade for him and dampen his market."

This trade could make sense for both sides. The Warriors are basically giving up Moody and a lightly protected first, along with two guys they aren’t playing anyway. In return, they’ll get one of the best shooters in the league and a guy who is a proven championship contributor. 

The Nets would be picking up two younger players with upside and a Warriors’ draft pick that, if things go wrong, could end up being incredibly valuable.