Golden State has reportedly held internal discussions about pursuing Michael Porter Jr., according to NBA insider Jake Fischer on The Stein Line Thursday, January 1. The Warriors’ front office appears to be evaluating the potential impact of adding the 27-year-old forward, who was traded to Brooklyn in the offseason for Cameron Johnson.
Porter, in the fourth year of a five-year, $179 million contract, is averaging 25.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists over 33.0 minutes per game in 26 outings for the Nets. He is shooting 41.0% from three and 49.6% overall, giving him the profile of a versatile scoring option capable of spacing the floor.
Golden State currently ranks eighth in the Western Conference at 18-16, averaging 115.6 points per game while allowing 113.4. Their shooting efficiency and perimeter spacing have been inconsistent, despite Stephen Curry’s 28.7 points and 4.8 threes per game. Fischer noted that Warriors coach Steve Kerr was asked about Porter’s production following their recent matchup at Barclays Center.
Brooklyn, meanwhile, sits at 10-21 in the Eastern Conference. The Nets are averaging 109.2 points while allowing 114.1, ranking them near the bottom offensively in the league. Porter’s scoring and three-point efficiency could make him an attractive addition for a Warriors team seeking a secondary scorer alongside Curry and Jimmy Butler.
Adding Porter could provide Golden State with another high-usage wing capable of both creating for himself and complementing the team’s motion offense. Porter has demonstrated the ability to generate points in isolation and on spot-up threes, which would fit a system that relies on ball movement and floor spacing.
