Michael Porter Jr. might be too good to keep on the roster if the Nets intend to tank, writes Brian Lewis of The New York Post. Porter, who has been an offensive force since he was acquired in an offseason trade with Denver, poured in 28 points in Tuesday’s win at Philadelphia.
It was the latest in a string of impressive performances by Porter, but it’s not what Brooklyn needs if it intends to maximize the value of its first-round pick as owner Joe Tsai suggested early in the season. Sources told Lewis that philosophy hasn’t changed, so Porter may have to be dealt or shut down at some point.
Porter has a long medical history that includes herniated discs, three back surgeries, a damaged peroneal nerve and “foot drop,” which requires him to wear a brace while playing. He’s under contract for one more season at $40.8MM, and Lewis suggests he might have more value to a contender than he would as a long-term piece for the Nets to build around.
Lewis cites the Pistons and Bucks as potential trade partners. Detroit can offer a first-round pick, Tobias Harris‘ $26.6MM expiring contract and another piece such as Caris LeVert, Ron Holland or Jaden Ivey, while Milwaukee could trade its first-rounder in 2031 or 2032, along with Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis.
A source tells Lewis that Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is determined to turn around the season after a slow start and is “not interested in rebuilding in any form or fashion.” Lewis proposes a deal sending Porter and Cam Thomas to L.A. in exchange for an unprotected 2032 first-rounder, John Collins and Bogdan Bogdanovic.
There’s more from Brooklyn:
- Rookie guard Egor Demin continues to respond well to challenges from coach Jordi Fernandez, Lewis states in a separate story. Demin turned in one of his best games with 20 points, five assists and two rebounds in Tuesday’s win, and he ranks second among rookies by hitting at least four three-pointers in six games, answering pre-draft concerns about his outside shot. “Egor is a kid that cares so much about doing the right thing the whole time. Obviously it stands out, his size for his position and ability to shoot the ball and share the ball,” Fernandez said. “He does a great job finding the three-point line for his teammates and shooting the three himself, but he’s done a much better job being aggressive getting into the paint. When he’s finished aggressive at the rim, he’s done a great job.”
- In another piece, Lewis examines how the Nets were able to turn around a defense that was headed toward being the worst in NBA history.
- Nolan Traore may get more NBA opportunities after scoring eight points in Sunday’s win over Toronto, per Howie Kussoy of The New York Post. The Nets have brought the 19-year-old French point guard along slowly, playing him mostly in the G League so far. “He did a great job overall. (It) looked like all the minutes he’s played (on) Long Island right now are paying off,” Fernandez said. “And now he came here with a lot of confidence, and this is what it’s all about. Minutes are the best coach to develop you. And he took advantage of those minutes (on) Long Island, and now he’s taking advantage of his minutes here, and he was a big part of us winning this game.”
A total non-story. Porter isn’t going anywhere. Nets will be in full compete mode by next season.
By next season? No chance. Their young guys won’t nearly be close enough to compete.
The Nets don’t control their own pick in 27 so they this will be the last tanking season.
Agreed. MPJ is a good piece to build around.
I don’t think much has changed regarding Porters outlook and trade value – he’s doing exactly what was predicted. Everything about his game is the same as before – except he’s being able to put up 5 more shots a game than what he did in Denver.
On terrible teams, someone has to shoot the ball. May as well call it the Terry Rozier philosophy.
I don’t know if you’re comparing MPJ to Rozier. He’s a lot better than that.
He’s talking about solid players putting up all star numbers on scrub teams
League has a long history of it.
Can Thomas’s 21 a night is testament to this.
…you could also call this Collin sexton syndrome.
He’s a core player on a championship team. He’s an elite shooter with a deep offensive bag. He’s now drawing double teams and opening up the Nets offense. He has a good shot at making the AS team and all-nba.
And the Nets have gone 8-8 after starting the szn 1-11. They’re not a good team yet obviously but they’ll be much better next season.
He’s shooting nearly 50% from the field on high volume, which is better efficiency than he had with the Nuggets. And that’s without getting to play next to one of the best passers in the game. His play has definitely leveled up. He’s also become a better passer.
Yes, he doesn’t offer much defensively and the price tag is still high, but in a market without a number of big names likely to be moved I can see someone talking themselves into him if they can make the money work. That is, if the Nets don’t intend to keep him around long-term.
In Toronto we legacy fans call it pulling a mopete
Trade Porter Jr, Claxton and Mann to the Kings for LaVine, Monk, Eubanks and two 1sts
Bench Lavine for the remainder of the season so maybe he will opt out next year
Waive Eubanks, Highsmith, E.J Liddel and Tyson Etienne
Sign E Bates, Jaylin Martin, Keon Johnson and Killian Hayes
Tank and draft Peterson and a young C. Rebuild is done
Or AJ
The Kings will be selling not buying. come on
Trading Sabonis, DeRozan, Dennis Schröder and Monk for the highest bidders, tank and rebuild trough the draft. Get young players
Waive Stevens, Cardwell and Plowden off two way contracts and sign Dink Pate, Bates and Chomche
Sign Fultz
Nets 2027 pick will be a top 5. They are a mess and Demin is a trash can.
No thank you Brooklyn, you can keep him. Me player unless you ask Luke.
Cam Thomas aaaaaand porter for two average role players / salary and a middling first
Nice!!!!!!!!
With his injury history, he shouldn’t cost the draft picks added in the proposed trades with a 40mil price for next year too. Too many injuries to finally have his best and healthiest season in years on an awful team to be worth the last 2 deals. Future gold 1st rounders from 2 teams about to start a years long rebuild in LA and Milwaukee are overpays. The Pistons deal is the only one that makes any sense of the 3 proposed. Milwaukee should sell early, Giannis is going to leave when he can. Clippers are doomed and even if they trade every player with value they’re 5 years minimum away from ever competing.
What injury history? He’s been one of the league’s iron men the past 3+ seasons.. not to mention played thru an injury in the playoffs, which is unheard of today.
“Porter has a long medical history that includes herniated discs, three back surgeries, a damaged peroneal nerve and “foot drop,” which requires him to wear a brace while playing. He’s under contract for one more season at $40.8MM” He missed his entire rookie season and played only 9 games in another year too. That contract isn’t an affordable easy to move salary either.
I’m saying don’t let facts get in the way of some narrative. Porter is long past those injuries. Just look at his games played. He’s probably played in more games the past 3 seasons than just about anyone when you add playoff games.