Michael Porter Jr. is the best player on this rebuilding Nets team, but he’s also the biggest question.
It is the only network to have an episode or play at the all-star level. But at 27 years old and on an expiring deal, do they extend him this summer or deal him?
What Nets GM Sean Marks wants is a mystery. As for Porter himself, not so much.
“If it were up to me, I would love to sign an extension for this franchise,” Porter said. “I feel like we connect. We have great vibes, great energy in the locker room, and to be a part of something that’s building in a positive way, positive momentum, is going to be great. I would love to spend many years in Brooklyn, make this my home and build and watch this franchise take off, because we’ve seen glimpses of it this year.”
“There were a lot of positives. In terms of the front office, they have the ability to make some moves and make us better. If the goal is to win, which we all know, then I would love to make this my home, and that would be great for sure.”
Porter joins Nikola Jokic, Viktor Wimpanyama, Luka Doncic and Jaylen Brown as the only players to average 24 points and seven rebounds this season, even after a slow finish and a hamstring injury.
“Once the All-Star break happened and I realized I wasn’t a star, there was a little slippage in my focus and preparation,” Porter said. “This can’t happen no matter what happens with the team and the record.”
However, Porter announced his desire to stay. Marx was more shy.
After selling high on Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson, Marks could deal Porter to a contender who needs a shot.
“We talked a little bit in the exit interview, Andy and I [Birdsong, assistant GM]. “Sean and I had a phone call,” Porter said. “But my job is to make it clear that I want to be here and tell these guys. From there, it’s up to them to do what’s best for the franchise. Either way, they can tell me what’s going on or not. I don’t have any hard feelings.
“I always feel grateful and blessed to have the opportunity to play for a lot of money. And I think Sean and his guys are going to be transparent with me. But I don’t think they owe me that. Obviously as a player I would appreciate it, and I’d like to know what they’re thinking. But things happen fast in the NBA; trades come and things move very quickly. So we just have to take it in stride and see what happens.”
Porter is on an expiring $40.8 million deal, and on July 6 he becomes eligible for an extension of up to four years and $234 million. The price will certainly be lower, but will he be signed at all?
“[In] “In the summer, there will be a lot of those discussions. Whether it’s with Michael, there’s a variety of decisions we have to make with a variety of our players,” Marks said.
Cap expert Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron mentioned a four-year, $194 million extension, but suggested the Nets could get Porter for less. It had previously announced a four-year, $160 million deal.
Both Gozlan and ESPN Insider Bobby Marks said the Nets could use some of their $30 million in cap space to renegotiate and extend Porter, giving him a raise next season and then cutting his salary by 40% in the first year of the extension.
Gozlan proposed raising it to a maximum of 30 percent of $49.5 million, then giving him a cap hit of $30 million the following season. This would help build the Nets’ team and boost their trade value.
“I don’t think anyone is wondering if he can shoot, but could he be the No. 1 option? And for us, he’s the No. 1 option,” Marks said. “I just enjoyed this guy, and I enjoyed being around him. He’s a fun-loving guy, and he’s curious.”
Marks gave only a sly nod to Porter’s podcast, “Curious Mike.” He gave even less in his summer plans.