Draymond Green reveals how a midseason disappointment derailed Porter Jr.'s focus, potentially costing him a massive contract extension.
Michael Porter Jr. had a career season as the Brooklyn Nets' No. 1 option, but it wasn't enough to earn an All-Star appearance.
Draymond Green, host of the "Draymond Green Show," revealed that Porter's All-Star snub made him lose motivation for the rest of the season. Porter said the team wasn't winning games, wasn't going to make the playoffs and he stopped going to the gym.
Green believes if the 28-year-old stayed motivated in the final stretch, he could've been on another team with an extension.
"There are consequences to every action, and I think that’s one of the consequences for Michael Porter Jr.," Green said.
Porter averaged 25 points on 40.1% from three, including shooting a blistering 47.5% in December, before February. He had seven games with five or more made threes in December, including four straight to start the month.
His skill set has always drawn interest from contending teams, like the Detroit Pistons or teams missing that one piece, like the Golden State Warriors. He won a championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2023, and that experience is invaluable.
Many analysts have made mock trades involving Porter, including Yossi Gozlan's idea of sending him to the Orlando Magic for Franz Wagner.
Gozlan highlighted their difficult cap situation in the coming seasons and the reunion of Moritz Wagner with his brother, Franz Wagner. Orlando is committing big money to Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane and Wagner.
The Nets have an abundance of first- and second-round picks to make a blockbuster trade. They were part of the Jaylen Brown sweepstakes before pulling out and keeping their assets.
Porter's regression after his snub may be part of why the Nets haven't extended him.
The 6-foot-10 forward is reportedly seeking $40 million annually in an extension, according to Sean Deveney, which is what he's earning next season.
He's been extension-eligible since July 6, with a four-year, $234 million contract ($58.5 million average annual salary) available. That’s superstar money, and Porter is far from those ranks, having been a role player his entire career.
Porter is key to the Nets’ success. He gives new teammate Julius Randle and rookie guard Mikel Brown Jr. an elite floor spacer who makes defenses pay when wide open.
Brooklyn's No. 1 option may have been snubbed last season, but he can fight for a selection next season. The team will try to win games with Randle and Brown headlining the new additions.
Porter's high-volume, efficient three-point shooting can transform the offense. Wins and similar production could give him the best chance to make his first career All-Star selection.
