Golden State Warriors Evaluate Options Ahead of 2026 Trade Deadline: Michael Porter Jr. Emerges as Clear Target

With the 2026 NBA trade deadline still about a month away, the Golden State Warriors are entering a critical phase of roster evaluation. While the team has experienced strong performances from its veterans, the front office, led by executive Mike Dunleavy Jr., knows that strategic additions could be the difference between a deep playoff run and a disappointing postseason exit. Among the names most frequently linked to the Warriors, Michael Porter Jr. of the Brooklyn Nets has emerged as the clear focal point of trade discussions.

Following Golden State’s recent win over the Milwaukee Bucks, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Dalton Johnson provided the latest insights on potential trade costs for Porter Jr. and another top target, Trey Murphy of the New Orleans Pelicans. According to Johnson, acquiring Porter Jr. could require two first-round picks, Jonathan Kuminga, and additional players to match salaries, highlighting both the premium of Porter Jr.’s talent and the Warriors’ willingness to leverage young assets for immediate impact.

Michael Porter Jr.: A Proven Scorer in a Warriors System

Porter Jr., 27, is earning $38.3 million this season, with one more guaranteed year at $40.8 million for 2026-2027. The forward entered the NBA as one of the most hyped young prospects, though early injury concerns slowed his initial impact. Over time, Porter established himself as a reliable scorer and a valuable contributor to the Denver Nuggets’ championship run, demonstrating an ability to thrive in high-pressure situations.

This season with the Nets, Porter Jr. is averaging 26.2 points per game, shooting 41 percent from three, and collecting 6.5 rebounds per contest. Those numbers illustrate his dual threat as both a high-volume scorer and a floor-spacing big forward—a perfect complement to Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. For Golden State, adding Porter Jr. would provide a much-needed scoring punch and create a legitimate third offensive option capable of easing the burden on their aging backcourt stars.

Porter’s skill set also meshes seamlessly with the Warriors’ playing style. With Draymond Green orchestrating the offense and Curry’s shooting stretching defenses, Porter’s ability to operate both in the post and on the perimeter makes him a versatile piece. Unlike smaller forwards, Porter can pull opposing bigs out of the paint, open driving lanes for Curry, and contribute in transition—all areas where Golden State has sometimes struggled this season.

Trey Murphy: A Costlier, Less Certain Option

While Porter Jr. has become the front-runner, Murphy remains a potential, though more expensive, alternative. Murphy, 25, is making $25 million this season, marking the first year of a four-year contract extending through 2029. Over 35 games this season, Murphy has averaged 21.3 points per game, hitting 38 percent from three. Despite these solid numbers, Johnson noted that acquiring Murphy could require three first-round picks, Kuminga, and additional players, making him the pricier option despite a slightly lower scoring output compared to Porter Jr.

Murphy’s youth and potential make him appealing, but the risk-reward balance leans in Porter Jr.’s favor. Murphy has yet to demonstrate consistent high-level production over multiple seasons, whereas Porter has already shown the ability to perform in championship contexts. Financially, Murphy’s lower salary may appear attractive, but the overall cost in draft picks and assets could outweigh the immediate benefits.

Jonathan Kuminga: The Trade-Chip Key to Golden State’s Deadline Moves

A central figure in the Warriors’ trade calculus is Jonathan Kuminga, whose trade eligibility begins January 15. Kuminga, 21, is earning $22.5 million this season and represents a cornerstone of Golden State’s young talent pipeline. While Kuminga has shown flashes of star potential, the organization may deem his value higher in a trade for a proven scorer like Porter Jr.

It remains unclear whether additional players will be included alongside Kuminga, but the expectation is that the Warriors will need to package salary-matching contracts or role players to meet trade requirements. Candidates could include Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, or draft considerations, depending on the target team’s needs.

The urgency to finalize a trade stems not just from roster balance, but from the strategic window for Golden State. With Curry approaching 38 and Thompson managing injuries, acquiring a third star-level scorer could make the difference between contending and falling short in the playoffs.

Evaluating the Trade Landscape

If the Warriors pursue Porter Jr., they will face competition and scrutiny regarding trade assets. Two first-round picks and Kuminga represent significant cost, but Golden State has a history of leveraging future flexibility to maintain championship contention. Porter Jr.’s proven scoring, versatility, and ability to integrate into a motion-heavy offense make him arguably the best available option for immediate impact.

In contrast, a trade for Murphy, while potentially less guaranteed in salary impact, would be more expensive in draft compensation and carries more uncertainty about his long-term role. For a team looking to maximize playoff window potential, Porter Jr. is the logical choice.

This strategic decision also affects the Warriors’ younger players. Kuminga, Moody, and others represent the team’s long-term growth, and packaging them requires confidence in both the incoming player’s talent and the team’s ability to continue developing remaining youth. The front office must weigh short-term gain against long-term flexibility—a classic Warriors calculation.

Conclusion

With the 2026 NBA trade deadline approaching, the Golden State Warriors have narrowed their focus, and Michael Porter Jr. has emerged as the most realistic and impactful target. Trey Murphy, while intriguing, appears more costly and uncertain relative to his production. Acquiring Porter Jr. will likely require Jonathan Kuminga, two first-round picks, and potentially additional players, but the upside—creating a top-three scoring trio with Curry and Thompson—is immense.

The Warriors have shown in past seasons that they are willing to make bold moves to remain championship contenders. If executed properly, adding Porter Jr. could solidify Golden State’s position as a legitimate title threat in 2026, while balancing the delicate integration of younger assets and long-term team flexibility. As January progresses, all eyes will be on Dunleavy and the front office to see if they can pull off the move that keeps the Warriors at the top of the NBA hierarchy.