Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. was recently named as a potential trade candidate by HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. If the Nets make Porter available for trade, the Portland Trail Blazers need to be working the phones in hopes of adding much-needed shooting and shot-creation.
As Scotto notes, Porter is in the final season of his $40.9 million contract. Brooklyn would be wise to get ahead of that next contract by trading him this summer, especially given their contrasting timeline as a rebuilding team.
Porter had a career year in Brooklyn, averaging 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game on 46/36/86 shooting splits. That presents a sell-high window for the Nets to turn their lopsided Cameron Johnson trade into even more future assets.
From Portland's standpoint, Porter is worth sacrificing draft capital and a salary filler like Jerami Grant.
Blazers should target Michael Porter Jr. as a Jerami Grant replacement
Financially, a one-for-one swap of Porter for Grant works. Portland may have to add additional draft compensation to incentivize Brooklyn to take on his contract, but that's exactly what the Nets should be looking to do anyway as a rebuilding team.
Portland needs to seriously consider trading Grant this summer, as his one-dimensional play and limited impact don't justify his contract. However, the Blazers still genuinely need Grant's skill set. He gives them forward depth, length, and positional versatility. Most importantly, he provides Portland's defensive-minded roster with a reliable floor spacer and shot creator.
That's why a Grant-Porter swap makes sense for Portland, as Porter can provide them with a better version of Grant to fill the void. As a 6-foot-10 forward and career 39.8 percent three-point shooter, Porter would fit in seamlessly with the Blazers' offense. He could be a secondary piece to complement point forward Deni Avdija, spacing the floor and helping alleviate some of the offensive burden.
The Blazers could then roll out a starting unit of Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday, Michael Porter Jr., Deni Avdija, and Donovan Clingan, which would be a legitimate threat for a deep playoff run out west.
This team desperately needs to find a better roster balance and address its underwhelming offense by adding more shooting and overall firepower this summer. Among the stars expected to be available this summer, there are few who would be a better fit offensively for Portland than Porter.
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