Rising tension over a potential $230 million extension leaves Brooklyn’s breakout star at a crossroads, forcing the front office to choose between a long-term commitment or a trade.
During the Brooklyn Nets' disappointing 20-62 regular season last year, there weren't many positives to hold onto.
However, Michael Porter Jr.'s growth and development as the No. 1 option was a positive sign to see, as the former NBA Champion posted career-bests in most metrics, keeping his efficiency high.
Porter averaged 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and a career-best three assists, while consistently giving Brooklyn a 3-point shooting threat.
Following the season, Porter was ranked the No. 57 player in the league, according to The Ringer's Bill Simmons.
However, Porter and Brooklyn's front office are yet to make substantial progress on a contract extension, which could impact his future with the franchise.
On Thursday, Brooklyn Nets insider Brian Lewis joined the Locked on Nets podcast to talk about Porter's situation.
"There’s either an extension or a trade," Lewis said. "I don’t think they’re [Nets front office] looking to lock themselves in to anything, as you would say, exorbitant and long-term."
For Porter, who is eligible for a big-time payday in the range of 4-year, $230 million, a long-term deal seems to be a priority, as he articulated following the end of the season.
"If it was up to me, I'd love to sign an extension with this franchise," Porter said. "I would love to spend many, many years in Brooklyn and make this my home and watch this franchise take off."
Roundtable's Josh Sloan made his case for the Nets keeping Porter, as he noted the 6-foot-9 stretch big's ability to be a top-scoring option.
"Unless another team is offering multiple first-round picks or a young player with legitimate star potential, it's difficult to envision a return package that benefits Brooklyn more than simply keeping Porter," Sloan wrote. "The Nets spent the last year watching Porter transform from a complementary piece into a legitimate offensive centerpiece. If Brooklyn wants to build a contender, that's not the type of player you trade away."
For now, it seems likely that Porter finishes out his five-year, $179 million rookie extension this season, finding a new deal next offseason.
However, Lewis noted that Porter may be ready for additional compensation now.
"MPJ would probably prefer a lot of money,” Lewis said. “It’s going to be interesting with him."
From General Manager Sean Marks' perspective, shelling out hundreds of millions of dollars to Porter after drafting multiple front court pieces and handing the keys to Mikel Brown Jr. may seem risky, but Porter's ability to stretch the floor coupled with Brown and Egor Demin's playmaking could be extremely fruitful this upcoming season.
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