Washington Wizards NBA Free Agency Rumors 2017: Wizards Will Not Lose Otto Porter to Brooklyn Nets
Washington Wizards will attempt to keep Otto Porter, but the Brooklyn Nets have the forward atop their free agency wish list.
When the Washington Wizards need saving, it’s usually John Wall that delivers a blessing late in the game.
But on Wednesday night against the Brooklyn Nets, Otto Porter put the team on his back in overtime, helping the Wizards avoid what would’ve been their most disappointing loss of the season.
Porter, who finished the game with 20 points and 10 rebounds, completed a three point play after being fouled inside. He also snagged an offensive rebound in the final moments, securing the victory on the road.
This season, Porter has blossomed into one of the most efficient low-usage players in the NBA. He’s leading the league in 3-point percentage while averaging a career-high 15 points per game.
While he’s added an almost automatic shot to his arsenal, Porter has continued to rely on his length, decisive quickness and rebounding. His ability to make an impact beyond the boxscore has elevated the Washington Wizards to the third spot in the Eastern Conference.
His low-key game has finally been noticed by teams, as he’s become a prominent name in scouting reports.
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Teams have finally begun to take notice of his emerging skill-set and it’s naturally propelled him among the most underrated “breakout” players in the NBA.
Recently, it was reported that the Wizards have no intentions of letting Porter leave the franchise, even though the forward will become a restricted free agent this summer.
Washington will have the ability to match any offer sheet that Porter gets, including the inevitable max contract.
According to Brian Lewis of the New York Post, Porter will remain atop the Nets’ wish list in the off-season, despite the fact that Washington will look to re-sign him at any cost.
Lewis noted the Wizards’ reluctance to go into the luxury tax as a reason for why they could potentially be forced to let Porter leave.
But, Washington’s owner Ted Leonsis is adamant about building through the NBA Draft and developing the team internally. So far, the Wizards have kept both of their most recent top three picks – John Wall and Bradley Beal. The same will happen with Porter, who’s arguably developed quicker than both Wall and Beal.
Porter will get north of $100 million in the summer, but he’s an irreplaceable piece. Washington has spent money to keep their young, core players around and they’ll do the the same with Porter.
