Despite reports that the Dallas Mavericks have opened discussions with the Golden State Warriors regarding a potential trade for Anthony Davis, the Warriors’ front office, led by Mike Dunleavy Jr., remains steadfast in its decision not to move Jimmy Butler or Draymond Green.
Golden State is also focused on retaining valuable draft capital for potential future acquisitions, including a possible Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, which further limits the team’s flexibility and underscores the importance of targeting players who do not disrupt the core roster.
Given these constraints, it appears increasingly likely that the Warriors’ next major trade target should be Michael Porter Jr., a move that could enhance the team’s offense without requiring them to part with cornerstone players or excessive draft assets.
Porter has emerged as a realistic and attractive option because the Warriors could acquire him without giving up Butler or Green, and without the steep draft compensation that might be required in deals for other forwards, such as Trey Murphy III from the New Orleans Pelicans.
Porter’s performance this season has reinforced his value, most notably in a recent game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center, where he delivered 27 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and three steals over 36 minutes, despite the Denver Nuggets falling 120-107.
The 6’10” forward shot an efficient 10-of-18 from the field and 5-of-9 from three-point range, demonstrating the offensive versatility and floor spacing that the Warriors could greatly benefit from in the second half of the season.
Through the first 30 games of the season, Porter is averaging 25.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, thriving as a primary scoring option after seven years in Denver, highlighting his readiness to contribute immediately to a contending roster.
Salary considerations also appear manageable, as a combination of Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, and Buddy Hield could match Porter’s $38.3 million contract, leaving the remaining question centered on the number of draft picks the Nets might require in return.
While exact compensation remains uncertain, it is likely less than the Pelicans would demand for Trey Murphy III, making Porter a cost-effective and strategically sound option to upgrade the Warriors’ roster heading into the playoff push..
A core of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and Michael Porter Jr. would create a unique lineup blending shooting, size, and versatility, though whether it could challenge contenders like the Oklahoma City Thunder or Denver Nuggets remains a question for analysts and fans alike.
Porter’s height and shooting ability would provide Golden State with a new dimension on both ends of the floor, addressing weaknesses in a team that has struggled offensively this season, currently ranking 18th in the league in scoring.
A starting lineup of Curry, Butler, Porter, Green, and Quinten Post would combine size, spacing, and defensive versatility, improving the team’s small-ball options while enhancing rebounding and perimeter shooting, areas where the Warriors have faced challenges this season.
With Anthony Davis increasingly unlikely unless the Warriors revise their stance on Butler or Green, Porter is emerging as the obvious and attainable target, offering a high-impact addition that could significantly strengthen Golden State for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.
Acquiring Porter would signal the Warriors’ commitment to contending while maintaining roster continuity, blending youth, experience, and star power, and providing a flexible, multi-positional forward capable of stepping into high-leverage roles immediately.
For a team balancing championship aspirations, cap flexibility, and long-term planning, pursuing Porter represents a strategic move that addresses immediate needs without sacrificing the Warriors’ core identity or future assets.
