Free Agents for the Brooklyn Nets to go after if they miss out on Otto Porter

Otto Porter Jr. is the prime free agent target for the Brooklyn Nets this off season. But as a restricted free agent, the Washington Wizards have the right to match any offer the Nets make. In the event that they strike out on Porter, the Nets have other options that could improve the club.

Otto Porter Jr. will likely command a max contract this free agency. The Brooklyn Nets can offer him a four year deal worth $106 million. The Wizards can offer five years and $125 million. There is no doubt that Porter would fill a major need for the Nets at the small forward. He can defend, shoot from the perimeter and from the field, and has been improving immensely in every season. At 24, he would also be able to grow with the young core Sean Marks has started to build.

These are all reasons that Washington has vowed to match any offer that the Nets or others make. It would behoove Marks and Co. to have multiple back up plans in case that happens, and there are plenty of players available to choose from.

1. Shabazz Muhammad

Shabazz Muhammad was picked #14 in the same draft as Porter, and one pick in front of Giannis Antetokounmpo. The former UCLA standout was underutilized on the Minnesota Timberwolves, but his per 36 numbers are guady: his career averages are 19 points and nearly 6 rebounds per 36 minutes. His career field goal percentage is 48, and his free throw shooting has improved every year up to 78 percent last year. So he shoots well from the floor, and his three point shooting can improve. At only 24 years old himself, the sky is the limit, especially with a coach like Kenny Atkinson.

The Timberwolves made a qualifying offer to Muhammad, but with the signings of Jeff Teague and Taj Gibson, along with the trade for Jimmy Butler, he may not fit into their plans any more and could become an unrestrcited free agent: