Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. would have been an All-Star last season had the team been more competitive.
So says Porter’s agent, Mark Bartelstein.
The former Denver Nuggets first-round draft pick and NBA champion is heading into his second season in Brooklyn. And while his future remains uncertain, there continue to be signals that both Porter and the Nets would like for their arrangement to last beyond 2026-27.
Michael Porter Jr.’s Agent Sends Clear Message on Nets Future
GettyMichael Porter Jr.’s agent spoke highly of his situation with the Brooklyn Nets.
Bartelstein was highly complimentary of the situation Porter is in with the Nets, including head coach Jordi Fernandez’s impact. The rest is largely up to general manager Sean Marks.
“Michael had an awesome year last year. He was sensational. If the Nets were in a situation where they were full-speed ahead and trying to win games every night, Michael probably was an All-Star last year. He deserved it. He played that well. Sean and I have talked. Michael loves it in Brooklyn. Jordi has been great for him. I think Jordi has been so innovative in how he’s used Michael. I think it’s a great fit, but that’s something that Sean and I have to sit down and talk about,” Bartelstein said on SiriusXM NBA Radio on July 22.
“The Nets have to ultimately chart out their course, the way they want to go forward. And, obviously, we’ve got to do the same thing for Michael. And if we can make it work, where there’s a long-term fit, that would be awesome. But that’s something we’re going to be talking about here in the days ahead.”
Porter, who turned 28 in June, averaged 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists with 1.1 steals per game in 52 appearances (all starts) for the Nets last season. He had a down year in terms of efficiency, shooting 46.4% from the floor and 36.3% from beyond the arc.
He has shot 49.3% from the floor and 39.8% from deep, so a bounce-back is possible.
Porter is heading into the final year of a five-year, $179.3 million contract.
Michael Porter Jr. Gets Potential Assist in Peyton Watson Push
GettyPeyton Watson’s agent, Rich Paul, raised eyebrows amid speculation about the Brooklyn Nets.
One of Porter’s side projects while sorting out his own future is pushing for former Nuggets teammate Peyton Watson to join the Nets. Such a move would likely require a sign-and-trade, with the Nuggets prepared to match virtually any offer sheet the restricted free agent agrees to.
That being said, Watson’s agent–Rich Paul of Klutch Sports–piqued interest by appearing on a podcast while wearing Nets gear.
Paul is a fan of the game and frequently wears branded gear of various teams.
Still, there is a clear interest from Porter to have Watson on the team, which could be a good (albeit expensive) step in the right direction for their upcoming contract negotiations. To that end, Marks expressed his fondness for Porter.
Despite all of the positivity flowing from all parties involved, Marks also said he is in no hurry to extend Porter. That stance could undermine the upcoming discussions with Bartelstein.
Of course, a long-term deal could hinder the Nets’ ability to flip Porter in a trade, too.
Nets Get Clear Message From Michael Porter Jr.’s Agent