Overview
- Insiders identify the Bucks, Warriors, Pistons and Bulls as teams evaluating Michael Porter Jr., with Golden State holding internal discussions and Detroit labeled a team to monitor that has not called yet.
- The Nets are characterized by multiple reports as listening rather than shopping and could prefer waiting until the offseason to leverage Porter’s contract in larger moves.
- Porter is posting career-best production at 25.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists on 49.6/41.0/81.2 shooting, with executives saying his market value has at least returned to neutral.
- Milwaukee’s pursuit is complicated by limited draft control, as the Bucks do not own their first-round pick until 2031, constraining their ability to outbid rivals before Feb. 5.
- Porter is under contract for roughly $38 million this season and about $40.8 million next season, and Brooklyn’s sizable cache of future picks adds flexibility as it gauges offers.