Brooklyn Nets Trade Rumors: Separating Reality From Fiction

With the NBA trade deadline five days away, the clock is ticking for moves to arise. The world is waiting on a Giannis Antetokounmpo departure from the Milwaukee Bucks, but that isn't the only move that could transpire.

The Brooklyn Nets, amid a 13-34 record while having some talent, cap space and draft capital, are a prominent team to watch ahead of Feb. 5. They have been involved in a flurry of trade rumors, but which ones are more likely to materialize?

Nets Could Realistically Facilitate Trades As a Third Team

Brooklyn is the only team in the league with cap space right now, which means this is a perfect opportunity to facilitate deals for other organizations with complications. Last offseason, the Nets did just that by taking on Terance Mann and the No. 22 overall pick (Drake Powell) to give way to the Kristaps Porzingis-Atlanta Hawks trade.

They could be that third team once again, whether it be for Antetokounmpo to depart from Milwaukee, or another deal for other players. Either way, this is an extremely realistic scenario, and one to look out for in the days leading up to the deadline.

This would be ideal for Brooklyn, who has built a boatload of draft capital over the last few years amid a rebuild. The franchise has hit a hard reset button, but it's also set up for success down the road. Getting involved as a third team, potentially taking on more contracts for the chance to receive picks, is a realistic possibility.

Michael Porter Jr. Trade Isn't Guaranteed

ESPN's Brian Windhorst recently appeared on "NBA Today" to talk about Michael Porter Jr., who has been in the midst of an All-Star caliber season. The 27-year-old is averaging 25.6 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists on incredible 48-40-85 shooting splits.

Naturally, he has been rumored to be traded ahead of the deadline. However, Windhorst cleared some of the smoke by stating that he hasn't heard anything about whether or not Brooklyn has made him available.

"I know everybody thinks that Porter's available, that would be news to me," Windhorst said. "I have not heard that he is available. If he is available wait for [NBA Insider] Shams [Charania] to tell me because I haven't heard that."

What we do know is that the Nets will listen to offers for the veteran scorer, but that doesn't mean he's a lock to be moved. Porter has been an extremely positive piece to this team on and off the court.

While he could bring back serious value, signs are pointing to the 6-foot-10 forward remaining in Brooklyn, especially with Antetokounmpo garnering attention from Porter's potential suitors (i.e., the Golden State Warriors).

Giannis to Brooklyn Is Possible, but Is It Likely?

We can't ignore the Nets being a suitor for Antetokounmpo, given their flexibility and assets. They have everything the Bucks reportedly want: blue-chip youth and a surplus of draft capital.

But it wouldn't necessarily make sense for them to pull the trigger, considering the two-time MVP would go from a declining team in Milwaukee to a rebuilding one in Brooklyn. This wouldn't exactly be a great situation for Antetokounmpo, as there isn't an established second star to play with.

If they haven't already, expect the Nets to discuss the idea of going after Antetokounmpo leading up to the deadline. A trade is certainly possible, but it appears to be less likely considering the aggressiveness other teams such as the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and Miami Heat are showing.

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