The Golden State Warriors are currently in 8th place in the Western Conference. It's still too early to say if the team could make it to the playoffs this year, but a 16-16 early record is pretty concerning for a contending team. They still seek consistency, and small-ball lineups won't always work.

With 2025 closing in, this is the perfect opportunity to search for new scoring options. One intriguing trade idea could provide exactly what the Warriors are missing: a proven, high-volume scorer in Michael Porter Jr.

Warriors' Scoring Issues in the Play-In Race

Denver Nuggets v Washington Wizards
WASHINGTON, DC - Michael Porter Jr. (#1) of the Denver Nuggets in action against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on January 21, 2024 in Washington, DC. Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Golden State's roster has depth, but dependable secondary scoring remains a night-to-night concern. Opposing defenses routinely sell out to stop Curry, forcing others to beat them. While the Warriors have toughness and defensive versatility, their offense often stalls without another consistent perimeter threat, according to BBall Rumors.

Getting a scorer who can stretch the floor and punish defensive lapses could significantly raise their offensive ceiling. That's where Michael Porter Jr. becomes an interesting name in trade discussions.

Why Michael Porter Jr. Draws Trade Interest

Porter Jr. has long been valued as one of the league's most dangerous pure scorers when healthy. His combination of size, shooting range, and confidence makes him a nightmare for defenses, particularly in space-heavy systems. If a rebuilding team were ever to make him available, his ability to score efficiently at volume would immediately draw interest from contenders looking to maximize their championship window.

In a hypothetical scenario involving a retooling Brooklyn Nets team, moving a high-usage scorer for younger talent and draft capital could align with long-term priorities rather than chasing short-term wins.

Proposed Warriors–Nets Trade

Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley floated a trade idea that could change the game for both teams:

Warriors receive:

  • Michael Porter Jr.
  • Haywood Highsmith

Nets receive:

  • Jonathan Kuminga
  • Moses Moody
  • Buddy Hield
  • 2028 first-round pick (top-five protected)
  • 2030 first-round pick swap (21–30 protected)

For Golden State, the appeal is clear. The Warriors add elite shot-making without completely emptying the cupboard. While Kuminga and Moody have upside, the move prioritizes proven production during Curry's remaining prime years.

Why Porter Jr. Fits in Golden State

Porter Jr.'s offensive impact would be immediate. His near-40 percent three-point shooting would create valuable spacing, making it far more difficult for defenses to overload on Curry. Leaving Michael Porter Jr. open is a risk few teams can afford, and his presence would force opponents into uncomfortable defensive choices.

As Buckley pointed out, the Warriors must carefully balance short-term contention with long-term flexibility. This type of deal attempts to do both.

Why Brooklyn Would Consider It

From Brooklyn's perspective, the return offers athletic youth and draft capital: two things rebuilding teams covet. Kuminga and Moody provide upside on manageable contracts, while the additional picks create future flexibility.

Buddy Hield adds short-term shooting value and could either help stabilize lineups or become a trade chip if his shooting remains strong.