Is the Michael Porter Jr. trade? Was Simmons real in Brooklyn, Detroit and Minnesota?

Michael Porter Jr.’s breakout has made it the hottest commodity on the trading market so far this year. The Brooklyn Nets the forward’s outside shooting, off-ball movement and secondary shot creation would offer a significant upgrade for several contenders ahead of the playoffs.

Porter averaged 25.9 points7.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists on a .491/.404/.838 shooting split while entering as the no. 1 Brooklyn option. He is one of five players averaging 25-plus points on over 49 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent from three, alongside Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Edwards and Kevin Durant.

With the Nets in the early stages of a rebuild, there was no shortage fake trades by sending Porter to a competitor. One of the latest came from Bill SimmonsWHO proposed a deal with three teams including the Nets, Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Bill Simmons Michael Porter Jr. trade idea involving Nets, Pistons, Timberwolves

Nets get: Tobias Harris, Rob Dillinghamtwo first-round picks over Detroit

Pistons acquire: Michael Porter Jr., Donte DiVincenzo

Timberwolves acquire: Poor Ivey

Evaluation of the deal for the Nets

Starting in Brooklyn, this frame floated around in various forms during Porter’s breakout season. The Pistons own the best record in the Eastern Conference and have an obvious need for scoring and outside shooting along with Cade Cunningham.

At first glance, trading Porter for a big expiring contract and two first-round picks sounds like a home run for the Nets, given that they acquired the power forward as a salary cap hit this summer. However, Detroit would likely insist on including its closest tradeable first-round picks — 2026 and 2028, possibly with protection on the latter — given the strength of the current roster.

The Pistons’ 2026 first-rounder is currently 29th, and while nothing is guaranteed in the NBA, their 2028 first-rounder will likely be a late pick as well. Harris’ expiring contract would open up a significant amount of cap space for the Nets this summer, which they could use to acquire an impact player or absorb another hit in salary in exchange for more draft picks. While Dillingham struggled early in his career, Brooklyn could view him as an interesting swing, given his previous pedigree.

The Nets would have a long discussion about this offer, but they are likely aiming for a draft cap with more upside. For example, a future unprotected pick from the Golden State Warriors or Milwaukee Bucks — two teams with uncertain futures that have interest in Porter — should move the needle higher for Brooklyn.

The Pistons offering a more distant first-round unprotected pick along with their 2026 pick would put them close to the hypothetical finish line.

Evaluation of the deal for the Pistons

The palatability of this deal for the Pistons would depend on what draft capital they sacrifice. However, if they can land Porter and DiVincenzo and only sacrifice Harris, Ivey and their 2026 and 2028 first-round picks, it will be hard for them not to pull the trigger.

The Pistons hold the best record in the Eastern Conference for 3.5 games. Adding a proven scorer like Porter and a pacer like DiVincenzo in addition to Cunningham could put them over the top in a watered-down East.

Porter proved he can contribute to championship-level wins with the Denver Nuggets, and is currently proving he can maintain his effectiveness in a larger role with the Nets. DiVincenzo has produced at a steady level for most of his career and offers plenty of playoff experience.

There’s an argument for the Pistons to make such a move if Brooklyn demands long, unprotected picks. Even with Porter and DiVincenzo, Detroit would be an underdog against the Oklahoma City Thunder in a playoff series. Further, Porter has a significant injury history and, like DiVinchenko, will seek an expensive extension through 2027-28.

Still, for a team that just spent half a decade in the NBA cellar, the prospect of cementing itself as the Eastern Conference favorite should be very enticing.

Evaluation of the deal for the Timberwolves

Simmons’ deal makes the least amount of sense for the Timberwolves. DiVincenzo is a proven commodity who provides much-needed spacing next to Anthony Edwards and leads the team in net rating (8.7). Trading him (and Dillingham) for Ivey, who would provide some secondary shooting but is an inferior three-point shooter and defender, would make the team worse in the short term.

Further, DiVincenzo is under contract for $12.5 million next season, while Ivey will be a restricted free agent and will seek an extension. In theory, Ivey represents a buyout candidate that the Timberwolves could lock up at a lower long-term price than what DiVincenzo will command in his next contract. However, trading the two would be a risky proposition for Minnesota.

The Nets and Pistons could easily come to an agreement for Porter without involving the Timberwolves. Detroit could trade Ivey or another mid-cap signing, such as Caris LeVert ($14.1 million), Ron Holland ($8.6 million) or Paul Reed ($5.3 million), along with Harris to match Porter’s salary.