After spending a full season with the Brooklyn Nets, the former Denver Nuggets sharpshooter Michael Porter Jr. could find himself on the move once again.
According to Brooklyn Nets insider Brian Lewis for the New York Post, a lack of an extension for Porter Jr. could lead to a trade sooner rather than later.
“There’s either an extension or a trade,” Lewis said on the Locked On Nets podcast.
Ex-Nuggets Star Gets Trade Update With Brooklyn Nets
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 01: Michael Porter Jr. #17 of the Brooklyn Nets reacts during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Barclays Center on March 01, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images)
Lewis predicts that the Nets prefer to do a short-term extension with Porter, which gives them flexibility.
Without a long-term deal, the Nets don’t have to worry about handcuffing themselves to Porter in case the timing isn’t right.
Additionally, a short-term contract would be easier to trade. With Porter showing plenty of value as a complementary piece on the Nuggets and a top option in Brooklyn, he’s certainly an attractive trade target for contending clubs.
“I don’t think they’re looking to lock themselves in to anything, as you would say, exorbitant and long-term,” Lewis explained.
“I think Sean Marks, the GM, values flexibility above almost all things, and I think a shorter deal at a lower AAV would probably give them more flexibility, and that’s probably what they would prefer.”
The problem with that? Porter probably wants the opposite.
Michael Porter Jr.’s NBA Career
GettyOKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – MAY 18: Michael Porter Jr. #1 of the Denver Nuggets shoots the ball during the first half of game seven of the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on May 18, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)
By no means does Porter Jr. fall under the “old” category.
The 28-year-old sharpshooter still has plenty of time left, but he shouldn’t be forced to take a short-term contract just to help out a team’s rebuild–no matter how much he enjoys playing for the Nets.
Porter entered the NBA as the 14th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. He spent the first six seasons of his career with the Denver Nuggets.
Porter produced averages of 16.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. He shot 40.6% from three for Denver.
During his one season with the Nets, Porter produced 24.2 points per game, while coming down with 7.1 rebounds. He shot 36.3% from three.
“MPJ would probably prefer a lot of money,” Lewis assumes. “It’s going to be interesting with him.”
Year five of Porter’s deal is set for the 2026-2027 NBA season. He will make $40.8 million with the Nets, or somebody else, depending on the final direction they take.