The Ringer: Michael Porter Jr. The Lone Net Ranked Within Top 100

Michael Porter Jr. had his best year as a pro in his first season with the Brooklyn Nets, averaging 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and a career-best three assists.

On Tuesday, his efforts were recognized by The Ringer's Bill Simmons, who ranked Porter the No. 57 player in the league.

"And even though he arrived last offseason as a salary dump and/or retrade candidate, Porter, thanks to his breakout first half last season and another Brooklyn slide in the lottery, all of a sudden looks foundational to the Nets’ future," The Ringer's Justin Verrier wrote. "We’ll see—next season is the last on Porter’s current contract, so whether or not he lands an extension this summer could show just how much he means to Brooklyn’s next era."

For now, an extension remains a possibility for Porter and the Nets, but no significant progress has been made.

However, Porter has expressed his desire to stay with Brooklyn and usher the team through this rebuilding period.

Following the end of the Nets' 20-win regular season, Porter told reporters in the team's season wrap-up press conference he wants to be a part of the Nets' turnaround.

"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."

Entering the final year of his five-year, $179 million deal that he initially signed with the Denver Nuggets, it may be smart to lock down Porter before he increases his price tag.

But, if Brooklyn decides to draft front court with the No. 6 overall pick, Porter instantly becomes a trade asset to open the door for Tennessee forward Nate Ament or the NBL's Karim Lopez to hold down the wings.

I recently reported on the possibility of moving the 6-foot-10 sharpshooter, noting one potential trade, depicted on X, which showed the Nets moving Porter and a 2029 FRP (via the New York Knicks) for Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell, and the No. 12 and 17 picks in this year's draft.

Mitchell, who took off with increased minutes this past season, has been viewed as a player ready to take the next step and become a team's lead guard.

If the Nets do indeed go wing in the lottery, moving Porter for a young, emerging back court initiator like Mitchell could fit the franchise's timeline.

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