Executive expectations point toward the Brooklyn Nets shopping prominent veterans including Michael Porter Jr. ahead of the February trade deadline, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
- Brooklyn lacks control of its own June first-round pick due to the 2021 James Harden trade with Houston.
- Porter carries a $40.8MM salary for the season and enters unrestricted free agency in the summer.
- Teams with losing records may target deals shortly after Dec. 15 when July free agent signees become trade-eligible.
Executive circles anticipate active veteran movement out of Brooklyn before the Feb. 11 trade deadline, Hoops Rumors reported. The franchise holds added incentive to capitalize on a depressed trade market characterized by an anticipated lack of true sellers.
“There will be less sellers than ever before,” an unnamed Eastern Conference team strategist told Fischer.
The new lottery system discourages struggling franchises from parting with roster pieces solely for draft capital. Porter commands a $40.8MM salary this season ahead of his upcoming unrestricted free agency in the summer.
The Indiana Pacers are testing the market for mid-tier roster improvements after struggling while Tyrese Haliburton remains sidelined by a hamstring injury. The Stein Line previously reported that Indiana showed interest in Nique Clifford prior to his trade to the Thunder.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers might shop Max Strus, Kris Dunn, Derrick Jones Jr., and Brandon Ingram to replenish draft assets. The franchise was stripped of multiple picks as punishment for circumventing the salary cap.
Franchises holding losing records may accelerate deal-making shortly after Dec. 15 when July free-agent signees achieve trade eligibility. This timeline allows acquiring clubs to secure roughly 30 additional games of player performance for comparable draft capital expenditure.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
