Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. voiced his public support of Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham after she spoke out against negative comments regarding her future with the team.
Unrestricted free agent coming off the 2026 season, Cunningham was questioned about the Fever should retain her. There was even some suggestion to send her on her way, by some, citing her role on the court and the attention she has brought off the court.
Cunningham addressed the criticism directly and unapologetically in a new episode of her podcast. “I’m doing nothing but exactly what I told y’all I was going to do,” she said. “I don’t care about outside opinions anymore, I said that last year, I was, like, ‘If you’re going to live by the praise, you’re going to die by the hate,’ and I’ll continue to be myself because I know what I bring to the table besides the box score.”
Michael Porter Jr. showing support for Sophie Cunningham. https://t.co/AbLyPmJrMM
— Kit Espina (@KeithEspino22) October 13, 2026
Porter Jr., who did see the comments, retweeted them on his Instagram Stories along with the message: “You’re elite Soph.”
The two have known each other for quite some time. Both Missouri natives, they played against each other in their local basketball league while they were growing up. Cunningham was a member of the Missouri women’s team from 2015-19 while Porter Jr. was on the men’s team for the 2017-18 season. He has called her down-to-earth and appreciative of the fans.
Cunningham’s 2026 Season Snapshot
Cunningham, a 6-foot-2 forward, averaged 7.9 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 43 regular-season games for the Fever in 2023, while shooting 41.9% from three-point range – one of the better percentages on the team for someone with high volume. She was a reserve for most of the season and offered floor-spacing and veteran insight on a team leaning on Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston.
Fever general manager Amber Cox said the team intends to meet with Cunningham and has said any off-court issues have had little effect, citing her leadership and leadership in the locker room.
It’s still undecided whether Cunningham will be making his way back to Indiana when free agency rolls around. Porter Jr. publicly supporting her is another big name with a connection to Cunningham’s longtime friend from Missouri.