Nets’ Porter Jr. Ranked Top-15 SF in 2026-27 Season

The Michael Porter Jr. domino hasn't fallen yet for the Brooklyn Nets, but he's clearly a top player on the team.

HoopsHype's Frank Urbina ranked the 27 best small forwards for the 2026-27 season on Thursday, and Porter ranked 15th-best at his position. Porter earned this ranking coming off a career year, averaging 24.2 points on 30% usage.

Urbina believes there is more to come for the 28-year-old, who is entering a contract year without an extension in hand.

"We have a feeling we could see the former version of Porter Jr. in 2026-27, considering it’s a contract year for the high-level scorer," Urbina said. "Porter Jr.’s current contract only runs through next season, so he’ll be trying his hardest to prove he can be a top option for a team as he seeks his next big payday."

Porter is reportedly seeking $40 million annually in an extension, which Brooklyn is likely uncomfortable paying given he's been extension-eligible since July 6.

The Nets have a creative way to renegotiate and extend the 6-foot-10 sharpshooter with their remaining cap space. NBA salary cap analyst Yossi Gozlan highlighted that the $4.5 million could be used to renegotiate and extend Porter's contract.

"They could raise his 2026-27 salary up to $45.3 million and add up to four additional seasons, with the 2027-28 salary reduced by up to 40 percent," Gozlan wrote.

This method triggers a six-month trade restriction, which, if signed now, would make him ineligible to be traded this season.

Porter has garnered significant interest as a trade target for contending teams. His height makes his jump shot difficult for guards, and he knows how to play alongside superstars, as he did next to Nikola Jokić in Denver.

He thrived in off-ball actions, cutting into open space when Jokić or Jamal Murray drew two defenders. Porter was an elite three-point shooter (38% on 5.8 attempts in six seasons).

Brooklyn is attempting to build a similar playstyle with Julius Randle, whom it acquired in a four-team trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves one day before the NBA Draft.

Randle complimented Porter's skill set, saying they could mesh well with his on-ball ability and his teammate's shooting prowess.

The 31-year-old is a solid passer, and he took that leap in his second season with the New York Knicks. In his first season (2019-20), he averaged 3.1 assists, then ballooned to a career-high six in the following season.

Porter could see a more efficient season with less ball-handling duties and more catch-and-shoot opportunities, combining his roles as a No. 1 option and a role player.