Warriors Predicted to Swap Porzingis for $179 Million Ex-Nuggets Star

Bleacher Report journalist believes Golden State should target former Denver forward in free agency.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:27am

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According to a Bleacher Report article, the Golden State Warriors could look to acquire former Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. in free agency this offseason. The proposed trade would send Kristaps Porzingis and the 11th overall pick to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Porter, who is currently averaging 24.2 points per game for the Nets.

Why it matters

The Warriors are in need of youth, athleticism, and scoring to complement Stephen Curry as he enters the latter stages of his career. Porter, a 6'10" forward with a proven track record of efficient scoring, could provide the type of three-point shooting and versatility the Warriors covet around their superstar point guard.

The details

The Bleacher Report article suggests the Warriors should explore trading Porzingis, who has struggled with injuries, and their 2026 first-round pick to the Nets in exchange for Porter. The 25-year-old Porter is having a strong season in Brooklyn, averaging 24.2 points per game on 46.3% shooting and 36.3% from three-point range.

  • The Warriors have already clinched a Play-In spot for the 2025-26 NBA playoffs, but are unlikely to make a deep postseason run this year.
  • Free agency is approaching quickly, making it wise for the Warriors to explore potential roster moves in the coming months.

The players

Kristaps Porzingis

A 7'3" center/forward who has struggled with injuries during his NBA career.

Michael Porter Jr.

A 6'10" forward who is currently averaging 24.2 points per game for the Brooklyn Nets.

Stephen Curry

The Warriors' superstar point guard who is entering the latter stages of his career.

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What they’re saying

“Would it be reckless for a team as badly in need of youth and athleticism as the Warriors to trade out of this loaded lottery? Maybe, but if the goal is competing at the highest possible level for however long Stephen Curry sticks around, who would help more: a lottery pick, an oft-injured Porziņģis and the inconsistent Podziemski, or Porter, a 6'10" scoring forward with a career 49.3/39.8/81.2 slash line?”

— Zach Buckley, Bleacher Report Journalist

What’s next

The Warriors will need to carefully evaluate their roster needs and options in the upcoming free agency period, with the potential acquisition of Michael Porter Jr. being an intriguing possibility to bolster their supporting cast around Stephen Curry.

The takeaway

This potential trade highlights the Warriors' ongoing quest to build a championship-caliber roster around Stephen Curry as he enters the latter stages of his career. Acquiring a versatile, high-scoring forward like Michael Porter Jr. could provide the type of complementary talent the Warriors need to remain competitive at the highest level.