The Brooklyn Nets may be increasingly viewing Michael Porter Jr. as a trade asset rather than a long-term cornerstone, according to Erik Slater and Brian Lewis on the Third Apron Podcast.
Slater said he believes Porter’s Nets tenure could be nearing its end, particularly because the two sides appear to be apart in extension negotiations. He added that Brooklyn would be unlikely to let Porter reach unrestricted free agency without an extension if the organization intends to retain him.
“I think they’re viewing him more as a trade asset as opposed to a long-term piece,” Slater said.
Porter is entering the final season of his contract and is scheduled to earn approximately $40.8 million in 2026-27. According to Sean Deveney of Heavy, the 28-year-old is seeking an extension starting around $40 million annually.
That asking price creates a significant decision for Brooklyn. Porter established career highs across several offensive categories during his first season with the Nets, averaging 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 52 games.
He shot 46.3% from the field, 36.3% from three-point range and 85.9% from the free-throw line. Porter also attempted 9.3 three-pointers per game, giving him substantially more offensive responsibility than he had during his previous six seasons with the Denver Nuggets.
Porter had previously been primarily a complementary scorer in Denver, averaging 18.2 points while shooting 50.4% from the field and 39.5% from three in 77 games during the 2024-25 season. His increased usage in Brooklyn resulted in his highest scoring average of his NBA career.
However, the production came on a Nets team that finished 20-62, 13th in the Eastern Conference. That leaves Brooklyn weighing whether Porter’s career-best season should translate into a long-term contract near $40 million per year.
An Eastern Conference executive previously told Heavy that Porter’s improvement is legitimate but questioned the financial implications for any team acquiring him.
“I think what he did last year is legit and teams are going to see it that way,” the executive said. “But the problem you have is if you trade for him, are you going to extend him and what is the number?”
Slater believes the contract situation could make the trade deadline particularly important. If Porter is not extended, the Nets could face the possibility of losing him in free agency without receiving an asset in return.
Lewis also pointed out that Brooklyn previously had more flexibility to structure a new deal for Porter. After using significant portions of its cap space, the Nets now have considerably less room to increase his salary immediately.
Brooklyn is rebuilding around a younger core and selected Mikel Brown Jr. with the No. 6 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. With Porter potentially seeking a contract starting around $40 million and the Nets coming off a 20-win season, the organization faces a pivotal decision on whether to commit long-term or maximize his value in a trade.
