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The Brooklyn Nets star forward Michael Porter Jr. on Instagram on Friday playfully asked for apology to Nets fans for spoiling tanking plans with a surprising win over the Chicago Bull on Friday.
Michael Porter Jr. apologizes to Nets fans
The Nets were riding on a five-game losing streak before they locked horns with the Bulls at home on Friday. Porter and seven rebounds. Following the game, he shared a post on his Instagram with the caption.
“Smile thru the ups & downs,” accompanied by a prayer emoji.
He made the go-ahead layup with 5.4 seconds remaining following Chicago briefly securing the lead. The Nets built a huge lead, up to 20 points at the start of the fourth quarter, but had to withstand a late Bulls rally before Porter's masterclass.
Many outlets and analysts have framed Brooklyn's season as a transition year. They are perceived as targeting to get a high draft pick rather than chase wins, with some saying that they are fine with losing for better lottery odds.
However, Porter's productive play puts the Nets in a tricky situation. His performance, since leaving the Denver Nuggets, has made it tough for the fans to fully embrace tanking. It has also raised the question of whether he should be traded before the February 5 trade deadline to get better pieces for him.
Next challenge for Michael Porter Jr. ahead of the trade deadline?
The Nets are willing to listen to offers for Michael Porter Jr. before the trade deadline. A mock trade by NBA insider Zach Buckley at Bleacher Report proposed a deal between the Golden State Warriors and the Nets that would exchange Jonathan Kuminga and draft assets for Porter Jr,
The mock trade has Warriors receiving Porter Jr. and Haywood Highsmith, while the Nets receive Jonathan Kuminga, Moses Moody, Buddy Hield, a 2028 first-round pick and a 2030 first-round pick.
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