Nets weighing future of Michael Porter Jr. as contract talks loom
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The Brooklyn Nets are evaluating whether to pursue a long-term extension with forward Michael Porter Jr. or explore trade scenarios as the 2026/27 league year approaches.
Porter, 28, finished his first season in Brooklyn as the team’s top scorer, averaging 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 46.3% from the field and 36.3% from three in 52 games. His campaign ended in March because of a hamstring strain, and he is entering the final year of a $40.8 million contract.
“Michael loves it in Brooklyn,” agent Mark Bartelstein told SiriusXM NBA Radio. “If we can make a long-term fit work, that would be awesome, but that’s something Sean [Marks] and I have to discuss.”
The Nets possess enough remaining cap space to renegotiate Porter’s 2026/27 salary upward this summer, then reduce future cap hits through an extension—an option that would keep him trade-eligible for the rest of the season.
General manager Sean Marks said earlier this month that the organization “values [Porter] a lot” and is in no rush. “I love Mike—the guy, the person, the player—and I hope he is part of this team,” Marks added.
Local reporting from The New York Daily News suggests Brooklyn is unlikely to move Porter unless offered a package including a favorable first-round pick, a young player under team control, or other valuable assets. The publication also notes that an Eastern Conference contender could intensify trade interest after LeBron James elected to sign with Philadelphia.
Porter has publicly praised head coach Jordi Fernández, calling his first year with the Nets “something special.” Whether that sentiment translates into a new deal—or sets the stage for a trade—remains a central offseason storyline for Brooklyn.
Source: Hoops Rumors
