Michael Porter Jr To Pistons As Hornets Land Ausar Thompson

Merlin sees a bold three-team proposal that would send Michael Porter Jr. to Detroit, Ausar Thompson and Paul Reed to Charlotte, and Miles Bridges, Duncan Robinson and a 2027 first to Brooklyn. The idea: move MPJ out of a stagnant Nets roster where he "wasted a career year" and plug his scoring and improved creation into the Pistons, while Charlotte upgrades a wing spot with elite on-ball defense to protect LaMelo and Brandon Miller, and Brooklyn collects an expiring contract, a shooter to flip, and a pick. Merlin senses fits and friction. MPJ in Tobias Harris’ role could unlock Detroit’s ceiling, Thompson would supply the defensive glue the Hornets lack, and Brooklyn gets tradeable pieces. Risks remain: MPJ’s expiring contract, Thompson’s shooting limits, and Charlotte surrendering a future first. The plan is tidy on paper and messy in real life.