How much money should the Nuggets give Michael Porter Jr.?
The athletic, a little raw but improving, forward was the team’s third-leading scorer last season at 19 points a game, second in rebounds at 7.3 a game, he shot 44.5% from three, and his potential as a versatile defender could be critical to the Nuggets on that end. His shot selection and decision making are improving. His role on the team will grow this season with Paul Millsap gone, especially until Jamal Murray returns.
He’s also dealt with injuries, having missed his entire rookie season with a back issue and then being out 18 and 11 games the next two seasons (coronavirus protocols sidelined him part of this past season).
Porter is eligible for a rookie contract extension, with a max of $168 million. Considering his injury history, do the Nuggets want a discount? Would Porter take less than the max? Porter Jr. told Michael Singer of the Denver Post the sides are talking.