The Golden State Warriors continue to be linked with several big names as they search for another piece to strengthen their roster, but Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. reportedly remains firmly off Steve Kerr’s radar.
With LeBron James increasingly expected to sign elsewhere in free agency, speculation has shifted toward what Golden State’s backup plan could be. However, a trade for Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. is unlikely to gain any traction, according to Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor.
“Sources say that Steve Kerr didn’t want MPJ in February, and there is little reason to believe he would want him now,” O’Connor wrote.
O’Connor did not reveal why Kerr has reportedly remained opposed to bringing Porter to Golden State, but the stance stands out considering the forward’s production. Porter enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career with Brooklyn, averaging 24.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game while emerging as one of the team’s primary offensive weapons.
From a basketball perspective, Porter appears to fit the mold of the athletic, versatile wing many contenders covet. But questions surrounding his off-court profile have followed him throughout his career.
The former first-round pick has become one of the NBA’s most polarizing personalities after a series of public comments drew widespread attention. Earlier this year, his former girlfriend, actress Madison Pettis, described him as a “psychopath.” Porter also made headlines when he publicly criticized teammate Cam Thomas, claiming the Nets guard “didn’t talk to anybody” inside Brooklyn’s locker room.
Whether those incidents have influenced Kerr’s reported position remains unclear, as O’Connor did not provide further details behind the Warriors coach’s thinking.
Kerr has built a reputation for managing some of the league’s biggest personalities throughout his time in Golden State, helping guide the franchise to multiple NBA championships since taking over in 2014. If O’Connor’s report proves accurate, it appears Kerr is comfortable looking elsewhere rather than adding Porter to the mix.
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