Warriors Coach Steve Kerr Not Interested in Michael Porter Jr. Trade
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has consistently dismissed the idea of acquiring Michael Porter Jr., a 6-foot-10 wing entering his final season of a massive contract. Sources told Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor that Kerr didn’t want Porter in February, and there is little reason to believe he would support the trade now. That’s the reality for a player who’s drawn serious attention this offseason. Even with Porter’s name in the conversation, the Warriors don’t seem to be moving in that direction.
After a standout season in 2022-23, Porter struggled with his efficiency last year. His free-throw accuracy improved to 85.9%, but his field-goal percentage fell to 46.3%, and his 3-point shooting dropped to 36.3%. These declines, paired with a league-worst team record, have raised doubts about his ability to handle a heavy offensive role. His performance in Brooklyn has painted a different picture.
The Nuggets signed Porter to a five-year, $179,299,750 contract in 2021, but the Nets inherited it when Denver traded him in July 2023. That sum remains a sticking point for teams considering a trade, particularly for a Warriors roster already loaded with salary. With the contract carrying into 2025, any potential move would have to account for that financial commitment. That could complicate any deal involving Golden State, which is already managing a high payroll.
Kerr’s stance on Porter doesn’t necessarily mean the Warriors have given up on upgrading. But for now, the door appears shut. If Porter can bounce back in the 2024-25 season and enter free agency with a clean slate, Golden State might revisit the idea next summer. Until then, the team’s focus remains on other avenues for improvement. O’Connor didn’t expand on the specific reasons for Kerr’s lack of interest, but the coach’s history of making tough decisions on the roster suggests his judgment carries weight.
Though Porter has played in five playoff rounds in seven seasons, his 2023-24 campaign didn’t reflect the same level of performance. He was thrust into a primary scoring role with a struggling Nets team, which finished with the third-worst record in the league. The pressure may have contributed to his dip in efficiency, but Kerr’s caution hints at deeper concerns. That history might have influenced Kerr’s decision.
Still, Porter has one more year to prove himself with the Nets. If he can return to his earlier form or even regain a bit of his previous efficiency, the Warriors might consider him again when he hits free agency. Until then, Golden State will remain focused on its current roster and how it can be improved through other means. The team may still be looking at other trade possibilities, but MPJ seems to be off the table unless his play shifts dramatically in the next year.