A forward averaging 25.6 points per game, now available for just a first-round pick.

When it comes to decisiveness in NBA management, the Nets are undoubtedly among the best.

Once it was clear that the "Big Three" approach was a dead end, they swiftly moved all three players without any delay, exchanging them for a significant quantity of draft capital. The assets acquired from the Durant trade were particularly rich, featuring Bridges, Cameron Johnson, and four unprotected first-round selections.

After determining that Bridges couldn't be the franchise cornerstone and with the Knicks willing to pay a high price for him, the Nets quickly sold Bridges again, securing another four first-round picks. This offseason, the Nets traded Cameron Johnson for Porter Jr. plus Denver's unprotected 2032 first-round pick.

Therefore, Durant’s trade has already brought the Nets nine first-round picks plus Porter Jr. Initially, the cost of assembling the Big Three was huge, but the Nets’ swift damage control has stocked the team with substantial future assets. The Nets benefit from having no pressure to win immediately, allowing them to take risks on players and turn previously negative assets into positives.

When the Nuggets traded Porter Jr., it was clear they viewed him as a liability. His salary this season is $38.33 million and $40.81 million next season (with $12 million guaranteed), and his performance hasn’t justified that pay, becoming a heavy burden for Denver. By offloading Porter for a future unprotected first-round pick, the Nuggets have revitalized their bench and improved roster depth this season.

After acquiring Porter Jr., the Nets have helped him deliver the best season of his career so far. To date, Porter is averaging 25.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, shooting 49.7% from the field and 39.9% from three-point range.

His average minutes per game are actually about one minute less than last season, but he takes 4.8 more shots per game. In an environment without pressure to win or defend intensely, Porter focuses on his specialty—pull-up jumpers—and attempts an impressive 9 three-pointers per game, even more than Huazhi.

Porter’s rebounding ability has also been reaffirmed, ranking 33rd in the league with 7.3 rebounds per game, outperforming most forwards. Additionally, his 3.4 points per game from second-chance opportunities rank ninth in the entire NBA.

Since December, Porter has hit a hot streak. Before facing the Bucks, he scored 30+ points in four consecutive games, averaging 34.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists with a 53% shooting percentage. He became the first forward in history to record 30+ points and at least five made three-pointers in four straight games.

During those four games, the Nets went 3-1, pulling ahead of the Wizards and Pacers and nearly catching the Hornets. This pushed the Nets to act. Previously, they traded two protected first-rounders and two swap rights from the Suns to the Rockets to reclaim their own 2025 and 2026 first-round picks, clearly targeting next year’s draft.

The 2026 draft class is considered a strong one. The projected top three picks—Peterson, Diabate, and Cameron Boozer—are all seen as foundational young talents. The Nets are determined to acquire one of these three. Seeing Porter’s development reaching a peak, it’s time to make a move.

Reports say the Nets are asking for a first-round pick in exchange for Porter. The Pistons have shown interest and could offer Tobias Harris plus a first-round pick, aiming to boost their lineup’s energy and shooting with Porter.

Currently leading the Eastern Conference, the Pistons clearly want to strengthen their roster through trades to capitalize on their current window. Although the team is still young overall, opportunities like this may not come again. Besides improving shooting and rebounding, Porter’s playoff experience is often overlooked.

Porter has played 75 playoff games in his career, more than anyone currently on the Pistons roster. At only 27 years old, he is considered a playoff veteran with a solid record of postseason shooting.

Of course, any team considering Porter must also weigh his defensive weaknesses. In the playoffs, opponents will likely target him aggressively on defense, which is the main reason he probably won’t fetch a very high trade price.

Take a look: a forward averaging 25.6 points with strong rebounding skills but limited defensive ability is now available for just a first-round pick.