This team suddenly could become coaxed to make a run at the Brooklyn Nets' top scoring option ahead of the trade deadline.
Michael Porter Jr. got welcomed back on the list of Brooklyn Nets scoring options despite the loss to Phoenix.
Porter Jr. remains linked to the Milwaukee Bucks as a trade candidate. But there's a new surprise contender mentioned.
Bailey Bassett of ClutchPoints called this power a new "best fit" for MPJ: The Detroit Pistons.
That's right...the Eastern Conference's No. 1 team and the biggest contender to come out of the east by the time the NBA Finals tipoff.
"Opinions are mixed on whether the Brooklyn Nets should or shouldn't trade Michael Porter Jr. The team added him and a future first-round pick in a trade with the Denver Nuggets in the offseason. In his first year with the Nets, Porter has been given a bigger role than he ever had in Denver," Bassett began.
Porter is still making an impact on the Nets -- to the point his production is intriguing teams seeking a trade.
"The sharpshooter from Missouri has capitalized by becoming a 25.8 points per game scorer, proving that he can be a legitimate first or second scoring option," Bassett said. "Despite this star leap, reports suggest the Nets may still flip him for even more draft capital. After all, they are rebuilding and a ways away from contention. The Nets are playing five rookie first-round picks this year."
Still, Detroit looks ready to pluck him away if the Pistons opt to intervene -- and increase their chances at clinching the east.
"While Porter could fit the Nets timeline, the concern here isn't whether they should keep him or trade him away. If Porter is put on the trading block, a destination that makes sense is the Detroit Pistons," Bassett said. "The Pistons have surprised many to become the top team in the Eastern Conference. In this season in which the conference is wide open, due to injuries to Tyrese Haliburton and Jayson Tatum, the Pistons should be going all in and making buyers moves."
Bassett then dove into why Porter-to-Detroit makes even more sense.
"Arguably their biggest weakness is their 3-point shooting," Bassett wrote. "Porter has proven he is much more than just the catch-and-shoot option he was in Denver, but there is no denying that he is one of the best long-range experts in basketball. He'd help the Pistons spacing out big time, and he could be a legitimate co-star alongside Cade Cunningham on this Pistons team trying to contend for the NBA Finals."
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