Michael Porter Jr.’s future in Brooklyn is already drawing outside speculation, and one Eastern Conference executive believes the Nets could have a trade market for him during the season.
The wrinkle is the money. Porter is in the final year of his contract at $40.8 million, and while he became eligible for a four-year, $234 million extension in early July, nothing got done this summer. That leaves Brooklyn facing a big decision in the near future, especially if another team wants him but doesn’t want to inherit a long-term commitment.
“I think what he did last year is legit, and teams are going to see it that way. But the problem you have is if you trade for him, are you going to extend him, and what is the number?
The Nuggets overpaid him when they gave him that extension, and if he wants to be paid based on that, that is not going to be an easy sell,” an Eastern Conference executive said. “If he can accept getting into a salary slot that makes more sense for him, you can make that trade.
It’s an expiring deal, but the Nets would get a first-round pick for him still.”
Porter’s production last season gives the possibility real weight. He averaged 24.2 points on 46.3% shooting, along with 7.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists for Brooklyn.
Sean Marks addressed Porter’s situation this summer and made clear there’s no rush to force the issue. The Nets general manager said the team will keep talking with Porter about what comes next.
“We’ll have those discussions. I think we’ve got time.
There’s no immediate hurry right now with Mike,” Marks said. “We value him a lot.
He had a terrific year last year, arguably his best year as a pro. I give him a lot of credit for that.
I also give Jordi and the coaching staff a heck of a lot of credit for putting him in positions where he can have that type of success. It’s been great to see what Mike’s done for us.
So I look forward to having those discussions and seeing what Mike can do the rest of the summer and the rest of the season.”
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