'The Upside is Undeniable' – Brooklyn Nets’ Michael Porter Jr. Trade Labeled Underrated by Former Front Office Exec

Former Memphis Grizzlies executive John Hollinger opined that the Brooklyn Nets got great value in the deal, as he named it one of this summer’s most underrated moves in his latest The Athletic column.

“Getting an unprotected 2032 first-rounder from the Denver Nuggets to turn Cam Johnson into Michael Porter? Beautiful,” Hollinger wrote. “The expected value on this pick is high, and here’s the other key: It doesn’t require the Nets to wait until 2032. That pick is also a very valuable trade piece if the Nets want to make their own chips-in move at some point between now and then.”

“Essentially, that draft pick cost them $35 million: the difference in salary between Porter and Johnson, two similarly skilled players who are both signed for the next two seasons. That’s a screaming bargain to obtain an unprotected pick on a team that is likely to be rebuilding,” he added.

Brooklyn Nets waive four-year journeyman in shocking move

The Brooklyn Nets recently let go of one of the most productive players last season, Keon Johnson. The former 21st overall pick averaged 10.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 38.9 percent shooting from the field across 79 regular season appearances.

Before releasing Johnson, the Brooklyn Nets were at 19 standard contracts. An NBA team can only have 15 at the start of the season.

On the other hand, the team also acquired Kobe Bufkin from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for cash considerations.