Michael Porter Jr. sounds like a guy who would be perfectly happy staying in Brooklyn. Whether the Nets feel the same way long-term is the question.
Porter is entering the final year of his contract at $40.8 million after averaging 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists last season. He recently said he “cherished” his first year with the Nets and believes the organization is “building something special,” per Brian Lewis of the New York Post.
His agent, Mark Bartelstein, told SiriusXM NBA Radio that Porter has enjoyed playing for coach Jordi Fernandez and that a long-term fit is something both sides plan to discuss.
General manager Sean Marks has also spoken highly of Porter.
“I love Mike, the guy, the person, the player,” Marks said earlier this month. “And I hope he is part of this team.”
Still, Brooklyn has options. The Nets could work out an extension, potentially even renegotiating Porter’s current salary while lowering future cap hits. They could also listen to trade offers if a contender comes calling.
That latter possibility may become more interesting after LeBron James signed with Philadelphia. Teams in the East now have even more incentive to upgrade.
C.J. Holmes of the New York Daily News argued that Brooklyn shouldn’t move Porter unless the return includes something substantial, such as a quality first-round pick, a young player or favorable salary structure.
That seems fair. Porter was Brooklyn’s leading scorer and clearly fits.
Now the Nets have to decide whether he’s part of the rebuild or one of their best trade chips.
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