The Brooklyn Nets have gotten off to a nightmarish start to the 2025-26 campaign.
The Nets rank 23rd in the league in points per game thus far, and their defense has been far worse — tied with the Toronto Raptors for the second-worst mark in the league, allowing 127.8 points per game.
Despite their 0-5 start, the team has shown a few bright spots. Michael Porter Jr. Is averaging 21.6 points per game while shooting 41.0 percent from beyond the arc, and Cam Thomas is averaging 23.4 points per game, albeit on inefficient shooting. With Porter's value rising and Thomas on an expiring contract, both players could become trade candidates ahead of the deadline.
MORE: Nets urged to trade for Rockets' Tari Eason amid early-season struggles
Michael Porter Jr. Linked to Pistons by NBA analyst
Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey recently named potential trade candidates for every NBA team, suggesting Porter could be a “realistic” target for the Detroit Pistons.
“At some point this season, the Nets may lean even harder into their rebuild and shop the few veterans currently on the roster,” he wrote. “Getting Tobias Harris’ expiring contract in exchange for Michael Porter Jr. Would save Brooklyn over $30 million in 2026-27 (the Nets would have to take back one smaller Detroit Pistons salary to make the math work).”
While it's still early in the season, the Pistons rank 20th in efficiency from beyond the arc, shooting a combined 34.4 percent from three-point range through five regular-season games. Harris offers a strong veteran presence, though Porter is a much better scorer and a solid rebounder.
With Malik Beasley still unsigned and Tim Hardaway Jr. Having joined the Denver Nuggets in free agency, adding a perimeter threat through a trade may be a viable option for Detroit.
Brooklyn could — and should — consider trading whatever valuable pieces it has to accelerate the rebuild. After keeping all five of their first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft, it's clear the Nets aren't aiming to contend anytime soon. Trading Porter would certainly free up cap space beyond this season, and the team will likely continue letting him shoot at will to boost his value.
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