Nets Trade Rumors Heating up With Porter Jr., Randle Headlining

Trade rumors surrounding the Brooklyn Nets are heating up after reports surfaced that the franchise is shopping Michael Porter Jr. and Julius Randle.

Brooklyn is 3-8 to start the season after an active offseason by general manager Sean Marks. He made two free agent signings and a blockbuster trade for Randle before the draft.

A talented Nets roster aimed to compete and win, but a struggling offense and middle-of-the-pack defense have sullied those hopes. They are the 23rd-best scoring team at 110.2 points per game and allow 115.3 points per game.

With a budding young core and a slow start, Marks may push his chips to acquire even more draft assets. Sam Amick, senior NBA writer for The Athletic, reported that Brooklyn is willing to listen to trade offers for almost anyone on the roster.

Marks has one of the most coveted role players in Porter and a veteran shot creator in Randle. Both are in the final year of their contracts, which could interest trade partners.

Porter's skill set doesn't grow on trees. He's a 6-foot-10 high-volume knockdown 3-point shooter who can shore up rebounding issues.

The 28-year-old is averaging 21.5 points on 37.5% from three and grabs 7.5 rebounds per game. Coach Jordi Fernández specifically runs sets to create open, quality looks for his sharpshooter.

Contending teams could use a tall floor spacer to get over the playoff hump, but a potential obstacle is having to extend Porter. He's seeking $40 million annually in a new extension, which is a hefty contract.

Randle is a veteran shot creator, averaging 19.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and five assists. He uses his 6-foot-9, 250-pound frame to bully defenders in the paint and force the defense to collapse, finding wide-open shooters in the corner and on the wings.

The 31-year-old is earning $33 million this season, but his playstyle doesn't fit on a contender that already has a high-level shot creator. It limits his potential trade destinations and what Marks could get in return.

Terance Mann could be an interesting trade chip for the Nets ahead of the deadline. Mann is owed $31.5 million, and his $15 million salary makes him a valuable add-on in trade packages.

Marks is not shy about selling at the trade deadline; he's an expert. He's traded Kevin Durant, James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Cameron Johnson and Mikal Bridges.

Those are more famous names. Brooklyn's general manager has an eye for trading players and getting valuable assets in return.