Steve Kerr Reportedly Blocked MPJ Trade to Warriors

The Golden State Warriors came closer than many realized to acquiring Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. before the 2026 NBA trade deadline. But according to a new report, the deal never happened because head coach Steve Kerr wasn't on board.

While discussing Golden State's offseason outlook, Yahoo Sports' Kevin O'Connor revealed that Kerr was the driving force behind the Warriors ultimately passing on Porter.

"Michael Porter Jr.? Sources say that Steve Kerr didn't want MPJ in February, and there is little reason to believe he would want him now," O'Connor wrote.

The report answers one of the biggest questions surrounding Golden State's interest in Porter earlier this year.

Back in June, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that the Warriors explored a trade for Porter before the deadline and were willing to discuss including a first-round pick in a potential package. Scotto also reported that Terance Mann came up in expanded talks, although adding him would have required a third team and made the deal more difficult to complete.

At the time, the assumption was that the two sides simply couldn't agree on the price.

Brooklyn was reportedly asking for significant draft compensation, with multiple reports suggesting the Nets were looking for at least one first-round pick and, in some scenarios, even more. Golden State explored the possibility but never reached a deal.

O'Connor's latest reporting suggests there was another obstacle behind the scenes.

Kerr hasn't publicly explained why he wasn't in favor of acquiring Porter, but the report naturally raises the question of whether his concerns were about the player himself or what the Warriors would have had to give up to get him.

It's easy to see why the cost may have given Golden State pause.

The Warriors have spent the last few years trying to compete around Stephen Curry while still holding onto as many future assets as possible. Giving up a first-round pick or potentially more for Porter may have been viewed as too steep, especially with the organization trying to avoid sacrificing its long-term flexibility.

It's also possible Kerr simply didn't see Porter as the right basketball fit.

Golden State's offense has long been built around ball movement, player movement and defensive versatility. Porter is one of the NBA's most talented scorers and floor spacers, but Kerr has consistently favored players who fit seamlessly into that system rather than chasing the biggest name available.

Without Kerr's support, it's hard to imagine the front office pushing aggressively to complete the trade, even if discussions had gained momentum.

From Brooklyn's perspective, keeping Porter turned out to be the right move.

The 28-year-old put together the best season of his career in 2025-26, averaging 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists while shooting 46.3% from the field and 36.3% from three-point range. He emerged as one of the focal points of Jordi Fernández's offense and enters next season as one of the Nets' most important players.

The Warriors, meanwhile, appear to have moved on.

NBA insider Brett Siegel previously reported that Golden State is no longer pursuing Porter after exploring a deal before the deadline. O'Connor's report helps explain why those conversations never advanced any further.

We'll probably never know exactly how close the trade came to becoming reality or what the final package would have looked like. But the reporting paints a much clearer picture than before. Golden State's front office had interest, Brooklyn had a price, and in the end, Kerr wasn't convinced it was the right move. For the Nets, holding onto Porter has looked like a decision that has only aged better with time.

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