NBA Notes: Nets, Michael Porter Jr, Suns, Khaman Maluach, Magic

Nets

Michael Porter Jr.‘s long-term future with the Nets remains uncertain.

Sameer Kumar of Nets on SI suggested Brooklyn may ultimately be better served moving Porter rather than signing the veteran forward to a lucrative contract extension.

Porter is entering the final year of his current deal and could command close to $40 million annually on his next contract.

While the 28-year-old enjoyed a productive first season with Brooklyn, Kumar argued the rebuilding Nets should continue prioritizing future assets and financial flexibility over committing significant money to a veteran player.

Brooklyn has consistently emphasized maintaining long-term flexibility under general manager Sean Marks, making Porter a player worth monitoring as the season approaches.

Suns

Suns center Khaman Maluach is turning to one of the NBA’s top defensive big men for advice.

After another strong Summer League performance, the former lottery pick said he has sought guidance from four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert as he continues his development.

“I reached out to Rudy,” Maluach said, via ClutchPoints. “I asked him how he keeps up with his body, what he does throughout the summer and just really learn from him.”

Maluach has impressed in Las Vegas, averaging 19.5 points and 12.8 rebounds while showing continued growth on both ends of the floor.

The 7-foot-2 center also emphasized the importance of the mental side of the game, calling basketball “almost 90 percent mental.”

Magic

With training camp still months away, Magic on SI took an early look at what Orlando’s rotation could resemble entering the 2026-27 season.

Jeremy Brener projects a starting lineup of Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr.

Anthony Black headlines the projected second unit alongside Jevon Carter, Tristan da Silva, Noah Penda and veteran center Nikola Vucevic, though Orlando’s depth should create plenty of competition for minutes throughout the season.

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