Michael Porter Jr.’s name is already circulating in trade talk, and ESPN’s Bobby Marks is projecting the Brooklyn Nets forward could be moved before the Feb. 11 deadline.
That would be a notable turn for a player Brooklyn has leaned on heavily since bringing him in ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season. The Nets have put Porter in the role of primary scoring option on one of the league’s youngest rosters, but league chatter is pointing in another direction.
The contract piece is a big part of the conversation. “Since July, Porter has been eligible to sign a four-year, $236.5 million extension with Brooklyn.
If the Nets move him, Porter would become eligible to sign for three years and $154 million with his new team,” Marks wrote. Porter can still be extended after this season, but a deal with Brooklyn would carry far more earning power than one signed elsewhere.
Marks also noted that “He can also elect to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2027, regardless of his post-deadline future,” which is part of why he believes Porter is more likely to be dealt.
On the floor, Porter has given Brooklyn plenty to like. “Porter is averaging at least 20 points per game for the second consecutive season, but the 28-year-old forward is doing more than just scoring,” Marks wrote. “His 1.6 steals per game (with 2.5 deflections) is a career high, and Brooklyn’s defense is eight points per 100 possessions better with Porter on the court.”
Through 10 appearances, Porter is averaging 21.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals while shooting 45.2% from the field and 37.2% from three-point range.
Still, Brooklyn’s rough start - a 2-8 record - hangs over everything. If the Nets can’t improve enough to convince general manager Sean Marks the current group is worth keeping together, Porter could be one of the biggest names on the move.
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