NBA Rumors: Porter, Simmons, Trades, Embiid, Beal, Aldridge, Love

The Nuggets have signed Michael Porter Jr. to a five-year, max deal. The contract projects to be worth $172.5 million based on the league’s current salary cap, though it could reach up to $207 million in value if he makes an All-NBA Team this season.

Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., has agreed on a five-year designated max extension that could be worth up to $207 million, his agent Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 27, 2021

With the extension, Porter is not eligible to be traded for one year. Porter was previously linked to the Sixers in a potential Ben Simmons trade.

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Team president Daryl Morey indicated to FortyEightMinutes and other media that he remains hopeful that Ben Simmons will play for the team. “We expect him back. We expect him to be a 76er,” Morey said while comparing the situation to that of Aaron Rodger’s in Green Bay. Rodgers is suiting up for the Packers this season and the team is 2-1 so far.
Joel Embiid believes NBA players shouldn’t take trade rumors personally, as he explained while discussing the Simmons situation. Embiid mentioned that if the Warriors offer Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson for him, the Sixers should take it. To be clear, Embiid has no interest in heading to Golden State or leaving Philadelphia, he’s simply illustrating a part of the business side of the NBA.
Bradley Beal told FortyEightMinutes and other media that he did not get the vaccine and he does not anticipate it being a distraction for the Wizards this season. Washington continues to abide by local laws as well as the NBA’s protocols.
LaMarcus Aldridge said that he talked with one other team in free agency prior to re-joining the Nets (via Michael Scotto of HoopsHype). Aldridge was on Brooklyn last season but medical issues forced him to retire midseason. Now that he’s been cleared, the power forward is ready to help his team win a championship.
Kevin Love said that he and the Cavaliers never had conversations about a buyout this offseason, as he told reporters during the team’s media day. Love added that he hasn’t yet had a conversation with coach J.B. Bickerstaff about his role for the upcoming season.