Michael Porter Jr. Emerges as Warriors’ Primary Trade Target as Trey Murphy III Remains Off the Table

With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching, the Golden State Warriors are facing the reality that their options to upgrade the roster are narrowing. Over the past few weeks, the Warriors have explored several possibilities to bolster their lineup and add scoring depth behind Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, particularly in the frontcourt. However, recent developments surrounding Trey Murphy III of the New Orleans Pelicans have effectively removed one of Golden State’s preferred targets from consideration, leaving Michael Porter Jr. as the most realistic and high-impact option for the Warriors’ front office and executive vice president Mike Dunleavy Jr.

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, the Pelicans have informed rival teams that Murphy will remain with New Orleans past the trade deadline. Murphy, who recently scored a career-high 42 points against the Los Angeles Lakers, had been an attractive target for Golden State due to his combination of size, shooting ability, and floor spacing. His availability would have presented a relatively lower-cost addition compared to other elite forwards on the market. However, with Murphy seemingly off-limits, the Warriors must recalibrate and focus on the next best available player: Michael Porter Jr., who brings both versatility and proven scoring ability.

Why Michael Porter Jr. is Golden State’s Logical Choice

Porter Jr., currently a forward for the Denver Nuggets, possesses a skill set that aligns closely with Golden State’s fast-paced, space-oriented system. At 6-foot-10, he is capable of stretching the floor with his perimeter shooting, while also attacking the rim efficiently. The Warriors’ frontcourt, featuring Draymond Green, Kevon Looney, and emerging players like Jonathan Kuminga, could greatly benefit from Porter Jr.’s scoring ability, particularly given Golden State’s historical reliance on high-volume shooting forwards to complement Curry and Thompson.

Veteran forward Draymond Green fueled speculation about Porter Jr. in a recent podcast clip, referencing “nine days,” which many analysts interpreted as a hint regarding Kuminga’s trade eligibility on January 15. This suggests that Golden State may be considering a multi-team deal or a direct trade that includes Kuminga, along with Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, and draft assets, to incentivize Denver or any other team to part with Porter Jr.

Strategic Urgency for the Warriors

The timing of this potential trade is critical. Golden State has won eight of its past 11 games, showcasing resilience but also highlighting the team’s need for additional scoring depth. While Curry remains one of the league’s top players, nearing 38 years of age, Thompson is still an elite shooter but has been limited by injuries over the past few seasons. The Warriors cannot rely solely on their aging stars if they hope to maintain a legitimate championship window in 2026. Porter Jr. offers a way to both diversify scoring options and alleviate some of the offensive load from Curry and Thompson.

The Warriors’ offensive efficiency is currently ranked 15th in the league, a surprising drop for a franchise known for its historically dominant shooting and spacing. Adding a player like Porter Jr. could immediately impact offensive spacing, creating better driving lanes for Curry and Thompson while providing a reliable third scoring option who can stretch defenses.

Comparing Porter Jr. to Murphy and Other Potential Targets

Although Murphy would have been a slightly more cost-effective addition due to his lower salary, Porter Jr. is arguably the more proven scorer at the elite level. Both players are big forwards with smooth shooting strokes, but Porter Jr. has demonstrated the ability to put up high-volume scoring in critical moments, including deep playoff runs. While fans have speculated about Giannis Antetokounmpo as a potential target, the reality is that the Milwaukee Bucks appear committed to retaining their superstar mid-season, making Porter Jr. the most viable available option for the Warriors who can meaningfully improve their roster.

By comparison, Murphy’s game is slightly more limited offensively, though his defensive versatility and lower salary made him appealing. Now, with him likely remaining in New Orleans, Golden State must pivot toward Porter Jr., accepting that acquiring him may require more significant trade assets, including Kuminga, salary fillers, and future first-round picks.

Potential Trade Structure and Implications

If a deal for Porter Jr. is to be executed, it will likely include Kuminga as the centerpiece from Golden State, given his trade eligibility after January 15. The Warriors may also need to include additional players such as Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, or even draft compensation to balance salaries and entice a team to part with a player of Porter Jr.’s caliber.

The implications of such a trade extend beyond the 2026 season. Porter Jr. would not only provide immediate scoring help but could also serve as a foundational piece for the next era of Golden State’s championship contention, bridging the gap between the aging core of Curry, Thompson, and Green, and the younger players like Kuminga and Jonathan Isaac (if acquired in future moves). A successful trade could keep the Warriors as legitimate title contenders while also maintaining roster flexibility to pursue additional upgrades in the offseason.

Why This Trade Makes Sense for Both Sides

For the Warriors, Porter Jr. fills a critical scoring and spacing need, enhancing a roster that has historically relied on high-powered perimeter shooting and forward versatility. With their window for contention still open, the team cannot afford to miss the opportunity to acquire a player who can integrate immediately and provide production at both ends of the floor.

For the team trading Porter Jr., likely the Nuggets or a similarly positioned franchise, the return in Kuminga, Moody, Hield, and draft capital represents both immediate talent and long-term upside. Golden State has a deep scouting and development pipeline, making their prospects particularly attractive trade pieces, and the flexibility of adding or moving salaries further sweetens the deal.

Conclusion

As the NBA trade deadline approaches, the Warriors are faced with both urgency and opportunity. With Trey Murphy III unavailable, Michael Porter Jr. has emerged as the logical target, capable of providing Golden State with the scoring punch and floor spacing necessary to complement Curry and Thompson. While executing the trade may require significant assets, including Jonathan Kuminga and additional players or picks, the strategic payoff is clear: a bolstered roster with a legitimate chance to compete for a championship in 2026.

Golden State cannot afford to wait, and with only a few days remaining until the trade deadline, all eyes will be on the front office to see if they can pull off a move that keeps the Warriors in title contention while preparing for the next chapter of the franchise.