Rebuilding teams do not get better by just sitting around and waiting. They get better by making bets, on talent, and on upside. The Brooklyn Nets are in that exact spot right now. And if they are serious about taking the next step, they need to stop circling the idea of Michael Porter Jr. and start chasing it.
Yes, I know he is coming off some pretty bad offensive performances, but for now just forget the postseason slump. Forget the $38 million price tag. What MPJ brings to the table is size, scoring, shooting, and untapped potential. All things exactly what a team like Brooklyn should be hunting.
He is still young at 26 years old. He just came off a healthy 74-game season averaging 18.2 points and 7 boards, all while hitting nearly 40% from deep. He can shoot over anyone, space the floor extremely well, and still has the tools to be more than what Denver Nuggets have asked of him. The Nuggets used him as a third option, sometimes fourth option this past season. The Nets could let him stretch into something bigger.
Here is why it makes sense for the Nets
Brooklyn is not looking for a finished product. They are looking for players who can grow into something special without needing to be perfect today. That is what makes Porter such a smart gamble. His value is not at its peak, but his talent has not gone anywhere. He just needs the right environment to breathe.
Plus, because of the size of his contract, the Nets would likely be rewarded with some draft capital for taking on the deal, which is an added bonus for Brooklyn as they can continue to stockpile assets for the future at the same time.
Yes, they have a similar player with Cam Johnson still in the mix. Yes, it is a little awkward to have two high-paid wings in similar roles. But here is the thing, you do not pass on ceiling because your rotation might get crowded, especially with Johnson already being a viable trade candidate. You take the better bet and figure it out later. PorterJr might not be the safer option, but he is the one with more room to rise.
For Denver, this could be the offseason where things change. The shine from their 2023 title is starting to fade. If they want to retool, moving Porter’s contract could be the first domino to fall.
Brooklyn needs to be there when it does
This is not just a swing at a talented scorer. It’s a move that says the Nets are done being passive. They are done waiting for the “perfect fit.” They are ready to build forward, and Michael Porter Jr. might just be the imperfect, high-upside piece that makes all the difference.