The Brooklyn Nets' front office has a decision to make regarding Michael Porter Jr. Risk playing out the season with him unrestricted for next offseason, or reward the team's leading scorer with an extension?
The Brooklyn Nets' front office made some significant moves this offseason to expedite the franchise's rebuilding process, but the team remains projected to finish near the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
Michael Porter Jr., the Nets' leading scorer from last season, has talked about his desire to help Brooklyn get back to consistent competitiveness, while expressing his want to be with the Nets for a long time.
But, to this point, no contract extension has been agreed upon, leaving Porter to play out the final year of his rookie extension he signed with the Denver Nuggets.
On Monday, at the Nets' media day, General Manager Sean Marks talked about Porter's impact on the team and areas he is looking for improvements.
"So for Mike to come in here and own that opportunity that he had and have a great year, I think we’re looking for consistency for him," Marks said. "We’re looking for him to take another step on the defensive end of it, rebounding end of it. Just become more of a complete player."
Last season, after being traded to the Nets for Cameron Johnson, Porter posted averages of 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and a career-best three assists per game.
The Nets' swap of Johnson for Porter last offseason has been a huge win to this point, as Porter far outplayed Johnson, and was packaged with a 2032 unprotected first-rounder that could become especially valuable if Nikola Jokic decides to move on from the Nuggets in the future.
Following his big year, Porter made it clear that he is seeking an extension with the Nets, with NBA insider Sean Deveney noting that Porter is seeking a similar annual salary as his current pay, which eclipses $40 million.
While the former NBA Champion is eligible for a four-year, $234 million deal with Brooklyn, this break-the-bank type deal has not been sought out by Porter, as he seems to have an understanding of what he would need to give up to help the team around him improve.
At media day, Porter said he has "never been someone who plays basketball for money or a big contract," while reinforcing Brooklyn is where he wants to be.
Adding Julius Randle this offseason should definitely result in more-competitive gameplay, as the former 3-time NBA All-Star significantly raises the Nets' floor.
With a willing playmaker and downhill driver like Randle on the team, Porter should play a lot more off-the-ball, getting open looks on the perimeter thanks to Randle's rim pressure.
If Porter posts similar statistics this upcoming season, coupled by overall improvements from the team, it seems likely that he will get his big deal.
But, will it be with Brooklyn?
