Warriors and MPJ
The Warriors are not believed to be deep in talks with the Nets regarding Michael Porter Jr., despite recent chatter.
ESPN and The Athletic both reported that no substantive discussions have taken place. Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area echoed that sentiment, noting Golden State has been hesitant to pursue Porter and that league-wide interest may have been overstated.
Johnson added that any potential deal would likely require a third team, since Brooklyn has no appetite for Jonathan Kuminga.
Not everyone is aligned. Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com cited sources who say the Warriors are in fact interested in Porter and have something brewing ahead of the February 5 trade deadline.
Afseth notes Porter is having a career year in Brooklyn and is viewed by scouts as a clean fit on a wide range of contenders.
Kuminga Watch
Both Johnson and Afseth confirm the Lakers remain a team to watch for Kuminga, who demanded a trade Thursday, the first day he became eligible to be moved.
Sources told Johnson that Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka likes Kuminga’s game and sees him as an athletic wing who could complement Luka Doncic. That said, an in-season deal between the Pacific Division rivals is far from a given.
Raptors
The Raptors have been labeled a buyer, but Afseth’s sources describe the approach as opportunistic rather than aggressive.
That may explain why Toronto has been loosely connected to high-profile names like Anthony Davis, Domantas Sabonis, and Ja Morant, all of whom have dealt with notable health concerns this season.
Rockets
Despite recent struggles, the Rockets are not panicking.
Yahoo Sports’ Kelly Iko reports that team sources say Houston has discussed trade concepts with roughly half the league, but no deals are imminent and the front office is not actively hunting for upgrades.
Opposing teams have checked in on Tari Eason, Clint Capela, and Dorian Finney-Smith, Iko added.
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