Appearing on the Third Apron podcast, Brooklyn Nets insiders Erik Slater and Brian Lewis are fully skeptical about Michael Porter Jr.'s future in the franchise.
According to Slater, Porter Jr. and the Nets are set to part ways before next season's trade deadline amid their insignificant contract extension negotiations.
"I think his future with the Nets, or his Nets tenure, might be coming to a close shortly," the ClutchPoints reporter said. "That's kind of my read on it.
"I just think that they're apart in contract negotiations, and I don't see them holding him past the trade deadline without an extension. I've seen some Nets fans posit that they could hold him past the trade deadline and let him go into unrestricted free agency if they want to keep him. They're still going to have some of the most cap space in the league.
"But I think that that's a little too risky for my stomach. So, I think they'll probably move him at the trade deadline is what it's looking like to me. And that's kind of what I have been hearing, dating back for a little bit now, in terms of how they were viewing him."
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Michael Porter Jr. facing Nets trade rumors due to expiring contract
Michael Porter Jr. has drawn plenty of chatter recently regarding his future in Brooklyn.
Porter Jr. is entering the final season of his five-year, $179.3 million contract in 2026-27. While currently extension-eligible, both he and the Nets have yet to reach a new deal.
Past reports indicated that the Nets would explore trade options if they fail to reach a contract extension with him.
Porter Jr. enjoyed a career-best season last 2025-26 in Brooklyn following his last offseason's trade from the Denver Nuggets. Appearing in 52 games, he averaged 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, shooting 46.3% from the field and 36.3% from the three-point range.
Michael Porter Jr. staying in Brooklyn beyond 2026-27 without an extension would be shocking
Brian Lewis would be surprised if the Brooklyn Nets kept Michael Porter Jr. for the entire upcoming season without reaching a contract extension.
With the acquisition of Julius Randle, the Nets seem to be preparing to compete following a lowly 20-win season. However, their uncertain future with Porter Jr. puts Brooklyn in an interesting spot next year.
"They can keep him past the trade deadline, I suppose, as an expiring contract. I would be shocked if that happens," the New York Post reporter said.
"I would think if he is not extended now, they could extend him and still trade him, but 40-plus does seem a little rich. So, I would be surprised if he were not extended but were still here in late February."