A fleeting Instagram Story posted by Brooklyn Nets star Michael Porter Jr. has ignited widespread speculation online, with fans and followers convinced it contained a subtle hint about a potential romance with chart-topping rapper Ice Spice. The brief clip, which was quickly deleted, has nonetheless spawned a full-blown internet detective story, merging social media clues with real-life appearances.
The Instagram Story That Started It All
Over the weekend, Michael Porter Jr. shared a short video on his Instagram Story. The clip showed coffee being poured from a brass kettle onto a spiral pastry. While a woman was visible in the frame, her face was not shown. The detail that sent the internet into a frenzy was a red butterfly tattoo clearly visible on her left forearm.
Observant fans were quick to point out that this tattoo bears a striking resemblance to one famously sported by rapper Ice Spice. Screenshots of the Story spread like wildfire across social media platforms, particularly on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, before Porter Jr. took it down. The deletion only served to fuel the fire, leading many to believe the post was not intended for public consumption.
Connecting the Dots: The Courtside Appearance
The rumours gained significant credibility because they didn't emerge in a vacuum. Earlier this NBA season, Ice Spice was spotted courtside at a Brooklyn Nets game. She attended the Nets' matchup against the Boston Celtics at the Barclays Center. While celebrities frequently attend NBA games, fans were quick to connect this past appearance with the mysterious Instagram Story, citing the timing as too coincidental to ignore.
Fan Reactions and Historical Context
Online reactions have been a mixed bag. A segment of fans is treating the incident as a soft confirmation of a new relationship, reading between the lines of the deleted post. Others remain skeptical, arguing that a single image and a common tattoo are flimsy evidence and a classic case of internet overreach. Some have even referenced Porter Jr.'s past statements about his dating life, where he mentioned avoiding relationships with people connected to the NBA circle.
Adding context to the speculation is Ice Spice's own history. The "Munch" rapper, who rose to fame with hits like "Princess Diana" and "Barbie World," has previously been open about a brief, casual relationship with NFL player Sauce Gardner. She has also demonstrated a pattern of deleting posts and maintaining a level of privacy about her personal life.
For his part, Michael Porter Jr., 27, was traded to the Brooklyn Nets from the Denver Nuggets in 2025. On the court, he has been impressive, averaging 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists across 22 games. Off the court, his dating life has attracted attention before, with past links to personalities like Madison Pettis, Madison Prewett, and Kelsey Calemine.
So, Are They Dating?
As of now, there is no concrete proof of a relationship between Michael Porter Jr. and Ice Spice. Neither party has issued any confirmation or denial. There have been no telling likes, comments, or follow-up posts from either side to provide clarity. Tattoos can be coincidental, and courtside appearances are often just that—appearances.
Until Michael Porter Jr. or Ice Spice address the rumours directly or are seen together publicly, the situation remains firmly in the realm of speculation. This episode serves as a perfect example of how a single, ephemeral social media post can rapidly evolve into a major talking point once the internet's rumor mill starts churning.
