26+7! The latest trade developments! Potentially impacting the NBA championship landscape

Bench fans, prepare yourselves, as the true NBA main event is about to unfold.

Insider Sidery:Teams like the Warriors, Bucks, and Pistons have already communicated with the Nets about a potential Porter deal...

Previous reports indicate that the Nets’ proposal for Porter involves matching salaries and including a first-round draft pick.

During this summer’s offseason, the Nuggets sent Porter along with an unprotected 2032 first-round pick to the Nets in exchange for Cameron Johnson;Porter has thrived this season with the Nets, arguably having the best year of his career, averaging 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, knocking down 3.7 three-pointers per contest at a 40.1% shooting rate.

He is currently under contract through the summer of 2027, earning $38.33 million this season and $40.81 million next season.

So, although Porter is highly sought after in the trade market, his hefty contract might discourage many potential suitors from taking him on.

The Pistons are the most likely candidate to make a move. Currently leading the Eastern Conference with a 24-6 record, they rank 27th in the league with 10.9 three-pointers made per game and 25th with a 34.5% three-point shooting percentage. They have strong motivation to acquire Porter, a forward known for his shooting and 2023 championship experience.

U.S. media suggest the Pistons could offer Harris ($26.63 million, contract year) + Ivey ($10.11 million, contract year) + a draft pick to the Nets for Porter, which might seal the deal.

Notably, the Pistons are also interested in Mavericks’ star Anthony Davis, who is averaging 20.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.6 blocks this season. Davis is under contract through summer 2028, earning $54.13 million this season, with combined salaries of about $120 million over the next two years.

In summary, the Pistons’ ambitions go beyond dominating the East; they are clearly eager to compete with Western contenders for the championship. Therefore, it is highly likely they will pursue aggressive roster upgrades before next year’s trade deadline (February 6, Beijing time) to take a major step toward their ultimate goal.