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Michael Porter Jr. Admits Late-Season Letup, Says Nets Eye Playmaking Guard as Extension Looms

Porter’s public accountability and roster wish list set up a summer that tests Brooklyn’s plan to build around him or reset value.

Overview

  • Porter said on Thursday’s Road Trippin’ podcast that he “took [his] foot off the gas” after an All-Star snub, and his post-break numbers and three-point rate fell before injuries led the Nets to shut him down.
  • He said he has spoken with the front office about targeting a playmaking guard, pointing to a high lottery pick chance and sizable cap room, with outside reports noting Brooklyn also holds multiple tradable first-rounders.
  • The 27-year-old delivered a career-best year in a primary scoring role, averaging about 24 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists on 46% shooting from the field and 36% from three.
  • He enters the final season of his deal at $40.8 million and becomes eligible in July for a multi-year extension, framing an offseason choice between a new contract or testing his trade market.
  • Porter also said Cam Thomas’ quiet personality and lack of locker-room engagement hurt his stays in Brooklyn and Milwaukee, even as Thomas flashed high-level scoring.