Lakers Among Top Contenders to Acquire $207 Million Forward
The Los Angeles Lakers are seen as strong contenders to land Michael Porter Jr. in a potential trade if the Denver Nuggets decide to move him this offseason.
According to NBA Central via sportsbook Bovada, the Golden State Warriors are the favorites to acquire the 6-foot-10 sharpshooting forward at +300 odds. They’re followed by the Chicago Bulls (+400) and the Lakers (+600). Other teams reportedly in the mix include the Orlando Magic (+700), Boston Celtics (+800), Los Angeles Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers (both at +900), Phoenix Suns (+1400), and Toronto Raptors (+1800).
Following the Nuggets’ second-round playoff exit against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Porter hinted at possible roster changes.
“Everyone in this locker room means a lot to me,” Porter told The Denver Post. “I’m not sure if it’ll be the same exact group next year. But whatever’s next for me, whatever’s next for this team, I know that the guys will be ready for it.”
Porter’s High Price Tag Raises Questions
Porter struggled during the Thunder series due to a sprained left shoulder, averaging just 7.4 points on 32.3% shooting from the field and 25% from beyond the arc. This was a stark contrast to his regular-season performance, where he averaged 18.2 points while shooting 50.4% from the field and 39.5% from three.
Porter still has two seasons remaining on a five-year, $207 million max contract and is set to earn $79 million over that period. His offensive skill set and size could be valuable to the Lakers, especially alongside stars like LeBron James and Luka Doncic (if acquired). However, his lack of defensive prowess and hefty contract make him a risky acquisition.
The Lakers could leverage up to $70 million in expiring contracts, their 2031 first-round pick, and several pick swaps to pursue trades this summer. Rui Hachimura’s $18.3 million expiring deal, paired with additional salary pieces, could form the foundation of a trade for Porter. Still, the team’s primary goal is to acquire a starting-caliber center.
Austin Reaves Could Be Trade Bait for Elite Center
Austin Reaves stands out as the Lakers’ most valuable trade piece in the hunt for a top-tier center.
Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports that while Reaves isn’t deemed untouchable, the Lakers would only consider moving him in exchange for a franchise-level big man — not just a temporary fix at center.
Unless a star-caliber center becomes available, the team is unlikely to include Reaves in trade talks early in the offseason.
Reaves is eligible for a four-year, $89.2 million extension this summer — a significant bump from his current $54 million deal. However, that offer is still below his expected market value, which is why he’s likely to decline it and enter unrestricted free agency in 2026.
Per ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Reaves could command a max contract in 2026 worth up to 25% of a team’s salary cap, with a first-year salary potentially reaching $42.5 million.
