NBA Trade Thread #13

Muzbar · Post #1661 » by **Muzbar** » Fri Jan 2, 2026 4:10 am

kodo wrote:Looks like the Mavs want to trade AD for Kuminga, which seems like a no brainer for GS except for the huge salary hit.
Wonder if we can throw Vuc in there as a 3rd team & expiring center and get some kind of compensation.

The Warriors would have to include Draymond Green (along with Kuminga) to even get close to Davis' salary and they'd still need short.

The Mavs and Warriors completing a trade to send AD to Golden State would be large and have to have almost identical salaries going to and from.

Unless they trade Butler for AD.

Infinity2152 · Post #1662 » by **Infinity2152** » Fri Jan 2, 2026 4:40 am

Can anyone think of a reason the Mavs would want Kuminga with Flagg and PJ Washington there? Or Draymond with Gafford and Lively? Makes me think the Mavs are desperate to move AD and there are few suitors, that can't be the offer that makes the most sense for AD. Like Muzbar said, I'd have to get Butler to make it worth it, and GS isn't doing that.

They just traded Luka for AD. To end up with Kuminga, Green and a Warriors first in less than a year, I'd just keep AD.

Mavs offer for Kuminga should look more like Klay Thompson and Jaden hardy for Kuminga. Money almost exactly matches, Klay's a negative for the Mavs, but Steph has talked about welcoming him back if the chance comes. Kuminga's not playing for the Warriors. Klay's not the Klay of old, but he's much cheaper than before and would be way more useful to them than Kuminga with his DNP's.

Dan Z · Post #1663 » by **Dan Z** » Fri Jan 2, 2026 3:47 pm

Pistons, Warriors, Bucks, Bulls Could Pursue Michael Porter Jr

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/283310/Pistons-Warriors-Bucks-Bulls-Could-Pursue-Michael-Porter-Jr

sco · Post #1664 » by **sco** » Fri Jan 2, 2026 3:58 pm

Dan Z wrote:Pistons, Warriors, Bucks, Bulls Could Pursue Michael Porter Jr

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/283310/Pistons-Warriors-Bucks-Bulls-Could-Pursue-Michael-Porter-Jr

I think our interest was old (ie during the Zach dump era).

WesPeace · Post #1665 » by **WesPeace** » Fri Jan 2, 2026 7:55 pm

How is Porter's defense last 2 seasons? I mean he is interesting player, could be nice fit at PF with Bulls.

But at 38M salary, I dont know if Nets would accept Vucevic, Williams and a pick..

sco · Post #1666 » by **sco** » Fri Jan 2, 2026 8:15 pm

WesPeace wrote:How is Porter's defense last 2 seasons? I mean he is interesting player, could be nice fit at PF with Bulls.

But at 38M salary, I dont know if Nets would accept Vucevic, Williams and a pick..

I'm still not sure I want to tie up $38M on someone who isn't a true #1 option before we get that guy. It isn't Giddey, Coby, or probably not Matas. At this point, I'm only interested in bringing in a potential #1 option and/or a better defensive C.

Post #1667 » by **HomoSapien** » Fri Jan 2, 2026 10:10 pm

MPJ's numbers aren't significantly better than Zach's were and almost everyone here hated him.

MikeDC · Post #1668 » by **MikeDC** » Fri Jan 2, 2026 10:25 pm

sco wrote:
WesPeace wrote:How is Porter's defense last 2 seasons? I mean he is interesting player, could be nice fit at PF with Bulls.

But at 38M salary, I dont know if Nets would accept Vucevic, Williams and a pick..

I'm still not sure I want to tie up $38M on someone who isn't a true #1 option before we get that guy. It isn't Giddey, Coby, or probably not Matas. At this point, I'm only interested in bringing in a potential #1 option and/or a better defensive C.

For one year, it's a way to keep open the salary slot. Giving away a pick to do it is stupid though. Gets back to my point that we should be doing what the Nets are doing and recycling these guys into picks.

If the Nets get a pick in bringing in Porter and then get one going out, that's effective

Dan Z · Post #1669 » by **Dan Z** » Fri Jan 2, 2026 11:21 pm

sco wrote:
Dan Z wrote:Pistons, Warriors, Bucks, Bulls Could Pursue Michael Porter Jr

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/283310/Pistons-Warriors-Bucks-Bulls-Could-Pursue-Michael-Porter-Jr

I think our interest was old (ie during the Zach dump era).

I agree, but it's a move that wouldn't surprise me when it comes to AK.

Maybe the Bulls could also get Claxton in the deal? The problem is...what assets do the Bulls need to give up. My guess is picks would be part of it and I wouldn't do it (but that's just my take).

MrSparkle · Post #1670 » by **MrSparkle** » Fri Jan 2, 2026 11:28 pm

Time to get MPJ was in the summer when the Nuggets gave up an unprotected FRP for shedding the salary. We could've easily gotten that done.

It would be absurd to pursue a 26/8/3 MPJ.

Infinity2152 · Post #1671 » by **Infinity2152** » Fri Jan 2, 2026 11:38 pm

We're not on any top player's trade list. There's a true #1 (Giannis) available now who isn't interested. AD isn't interested. Because we don't have the other players to succeed.

Now if instead of Vucevic at $20 mill, Collins $18 mill, Huerter $18 mill, Coby $12 mill, etc, we had Giddey, MPJ or Giddey, KAT, or Giddey, Zion, or Giddey, Bam Adebayo, would guys like Giannis be more likely to want to be traded here? Hell, Giddey, Lavine, Matas, Giannis, Vucevic sounds more elite than what we offer now.

When that 1A player becomes available, he's coming here to play with Giddey, future draft picks not on roster and average players? Are we going to promise to immediately get them help after they sign, after we've taken on bad contracts for draft picks and have no cap space and few tradeable players?

"We just picked up an extra draft pick in 2028 trading Coby and Okoro for KCP, we'll be able to add some help then. 6 open roster spots this summer. Come on and sign, Giannis. We even got them to throw in a 2030 pick swap."

Our best player is Giddey, and our second and third best players are expiring Coby and Vucevic, both one-way players. What star is racing to join that? Through FA or trade? In trade, where they want to go is not the most important thing usually, but it matters with top tier players, especially with only 1-2 contract years left.

GuardianEnzo · Post #1672 » by **GuardianEnzo** » Sat Jan 3, 2026 12:09 am

HomoSapien wrote:MPJ's numbers aren't significantly better than Zach's were and almost everyone here hated him.

MPJ is way better this year in terms of advanced metrics than Zach even in his best year. He's a good player for sure, and even if he's not a #1 on a title contender he'd certainly be our #1. That's not nothing.

The issue is cost - that and the fact that he has chronic back concerns. If it's just a matter of matching salaries and a protected #1, sure - but why would the Nets do that?

Infinity2152 · Post #1673 » by **Infinity2152** » Sat Jan 3, 2026 12:18 am

Better question is, why would the Nets NOT sell MPJ for expirings and a first? They want to tank. He hurts their tank a LOT. They just got a first taking him for Cam Johnson a few months ago. If they get expirings and another first for MPJ, that's basically two firsts and expirings for Cam Johnson and right back on the tank train, which is more important.

MPJ is $38 mill. If it's straight expirings, that's $38 mill free this summer plus a first and a much higher draft pick of their own.

And they don't have to worry about the injury issues anymore, they're building a really young team right now. Just like his injury issues make a lot of guys here wary, they affect his trade value plus his contract. They probably push for two firsts to whoever they trade him to, they may not get it because of the injury history.

I'd offer them Collins or Vucevic their choice, Pat Williams, Portland first, protected 2030 first for MPJ since they love trading cap space for picks.

They basically turn Cam Johnson into Williams and three firsts in a year. Start Pat Williams, get the number 1 pick.

We get off Pat's contract (Portland first) and add MPJ (protected 2030 first). Let's go.

Then call the Bucks, bet the Bulls look much better to Giannis. No problem adding Matas to the trade package. Give us Turner too.

MisterRoy · Post #1674 » by **MisterRoy** » Sat Jan 3, 2026 2:56 am

Trading for MPJ would be righting a wrong.

MikeDC · Post #1675 » by **MikeDC** » Sat Jan 3, 2026 4:57 am

Infinity2152 wrote:Better question is, why would the Nets NOT sell MPJ for expirings and a first? They want to tank. He hurts their tank a LOT. They just got a first taking him for Cam Johnson a few months ago. If they get expirings and another first for MPJ, that's basically two firsts and expirings for Cam Johnson and right back on the tank train, which is more important.

I generally agree, but the Nets still have the 5th worst record. MPJ isn't getting in the way of a tank. Which really ought to give anyone trading for him some pause.

Jcool0 · Post #1676 » by **Jcool0** » Sat Jan 3, 2026 5:09 am

MikeDC wrote:
Infinity2152 wrote:Better question is, why would the Nets NOT sell MPJ for expirings and a first? They want to tank. He hurts their tank a LOT. They just got a first taking him for Cam Johnson a few months ago. If they get expirings and another first for MPJ, that's basically two firsts and expirings for Cam Johnson and right back on the tank train, which is more important.

I generally agree, but the Nets still have the 5th worst record. MPJ isn't getting in the way of a tank. Which really ought to give anyone trading for him some pause.

They are 7-5 in the last 12 games. Which includes him going for 33/10/5 in a win vs the Bulls.

Infinity2152 · Post #1677 » by **Infinity2152** » Sat Jan 3, 2026 5:28 am

MikeDC wrote:
Infinity2152 wrote:Better question is, why would the Nets NOT sell MPJ for expirings and a first? They want to tank. He hurts their tank a LOT. They just got a first taking him for Cam Johnson a few months ago. If they get expirings and another first for MPJ, that's basically two firsts and expirings for Cam Johnson and right back on the tank train, which is more important.

I generally agree, but the Nets still have the 5th worst record. MPJ isn't getting in the way of a tank. Which really ought to give anyone trading for him some pause.

Nets drafted 5 first round picks this year. Didn't pay Cam Thomas so clearly don't think much of him. Claxton may be their second-best player, he's averaging 14. They would have the worst record without MPJ.

Cam Johnson had the best PER and VORP of his career last year, and they sent him packing. MPJ is at 22 PER and VORP 1.6 right now. He's adding wins.

Pause about trading for him because a team that's set up to lose is losing despite his best efforts?

prolific passer · Post #1678 » by **prolific passer** » Sat Jan 3, 2026 6:19 am

Mpj is good but I don't think he's as good as what he is currently doing on the nets. Don't see him as the needle mover the bulls need. At least not from the nets over a guy like Claxton. For the bulls that is.

wolffy · Post #1679 » by **wolffy** » Sat Jan 3, 2026 9:20 am

that's what sux about the NBA, a collection of very good players can't beat a team of two superstars and even average talent for all the other players. Get a superstar or two or youre wasting your time.

Dan Z · Post #1680 » by **Dan Z** » Sat Jan 3, 2026 9:52 am

Infinity2152 wrote:
MikeDC wrote:
Infinity2152 wrote:Better question is, why would the Nets NOT sell MPJ for expirings and a first? They want to tank. He hurts their tank a LOT. They just got a first taking him for Cam Johnson a few months ago. If they get expirings and another first for MPJ, that's basically two firsts and expirings for Cam Johnson and right back on the tank train, which is more important.

I generally agree, but the Nets still have the 5th worst record. MPJ isn't getting in the way of a tank. Which really ought to give anyone trading for him some pause.

Nets drafted 5 first round picks this year. Didn't pay Cam Thomas so clearly don't think much of him. Claxton may be their second-best player, he's averaging 14. They would have the worst record without MPJ.

Cam Johnson had the best PER and VORP of his career last year, and they sent him packing. MPJ is at 22 PER and VORP 1.6 right now. He's adding wins.

Pause about trading for him because a team that's set up to lose is losing despite his best efforts?

One thing to keep in mind is that Houston has the right to swap picks with Brooklyn in 2027. They might want to be somewhat competitive after this year.