The clock has officially started ticking on the 2024-25 NBA season. The Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets are set to kick things off with their media days and first practices on September 24th and 25th. These two teams will officially open the NBA season with a preseason matchup in Abu Dhabi on October 4th and 6th. The other 28 teams will follow, holding their media days on September 30th and their first practices on October 1st.
As teams gear up for the season, rumors continue to swirl, sparking discussions among fans and analysts alike. According to Bleacher Report, the Detroit Pistons, Denver Nuggets, and Brooklyn Nets should consider a potential three-team deal. In this mock trade, the Pistons would receive Michael Porter Jr., the Nuggets would land Cameron Johnson and Ziaire Williams, and the Nets would acquire Isaiah Stewart, Tim Hardaway Jr., and two second-round picks.
But why might these teams entertain such a deal? What are the potential benefits and drawbacks, and who would come out on top? Let’s dive into the details and explore the implications of this blockbuster trade.
This Mock Trade Has The Pistons Acquiring Michael Porter Jr.
The Good Of This Mock Trade For The Nuggets, Pistons, And Nets
On the surface, this mock trade trade offers benefits that align with each team’s long-term goals. For the Nuggets, it provides significant financial flexibility, saving them around $6 million this season and approximately $34 million during the next two seasons. This extra cap space could be crucial for retaining and building around their core trio of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon. Basketball-wise, Johnson gives the Nuggets the same consistent three-point shooting with an uptick in playmaking (2.4 assists to Porter Jr.’s 1.5).
Acquiring Porter Jr. in this mock trade for the Pistons adds a capable shooter who can help spread the floor, creating more space for playmakers like Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. The Pistons have made it a priority this offseason to improve their shooting, as they ranked 29th in makes (11.0), 27th in attempts (31.7), and 26th in percentage (.348) last season.
The Nets would benefit by acquiring Hardaway Jr., whose expiring contract could be leveraged for additional draft assets. Adding Stewart strengthens their frontcourt with a young, tough big man and emerging three-point shooter. Stewart’s growing offensive skill set would complement Nic Claxton, potentially forming a formidable frontcourt duo for the Nets.
The Bad Of This Mock Trade For The Nuggets, Pistons, And Nets
For the Nuggets, trading away Porter Jr. means losing their second-best rebounder. Last season, Porter Jr. averaged 7.0 rebounds per game, compared to Johnson’s 4.3 rebounds. Although both shot 39% from three-point range, Porter Jr. had a slight edge with a .6% higher accuracy (.397 vs. .391). Porter Jr.’s unique skill in initiating offense sets him apart from Johnson. This trade could, therefore, disrupt the fluidity and versatility of Denver’s offense.
The Pistons face a different challenge. They’ve already heavily invested in perimeter shooting by signing Malik Beasley and Tobias Harris and re-signing Simone Fontecchio. However, they haven’t significantly addressed their need for size. Although they brought in Paul Reed, at 6’9” and 218 pounds, there could be concerns about whether Reed is a sufficient backup if Stewart is traded. Additionally, while Porter Jr. offers offensive firepower, he doesn’t address the team’s defensive needs. Despite his improvements, Porter Jr. remains a defensive liability. While J.B. Bickerstaff might help him develop in that area, he doesn’t yet fill the defensive gaps the Pistons need to cover.
The Nets’ downside of this trade is minimal. They’re a team focused on acquiring expiring contracts to flip for draft capital, which this deal accomplishes. They also gain Stewart, a developing big man who won’t face immediate pressure in the team’s rebuilding situation. While obtaining a first-round pick might have been more desirable, this trade still stands as a win-win for the Nets.
The Last Word
This potential three-team mock trade presents intriguing opportunities for each franchise but comes with risks. The Nuggets would gain financial flexibility but lose a key piece in Michael Porter Jr. The Pistons in this mock trade could add another shooter to their arsenal, but questions remain about their size and defensive depth if they part with Isaiah Stewart. Meanwhile, the Nets benefit most, gaining valuable assets without significant downsides.
The trade’s success depends on how teams use their new players’ strengths and address gaps in traded players. As the season nears, seeing if this rumor reshapes the NBA landscape will be fascinating.
