Early in the offseason, the Denver Nuggets sent sharpshooter Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Cameron Johnson. Porter Jr. and Johnson are very similar players, although Johnson will make roughly $18 million less next season, allowing Denver to add even more talent.
With newfound cap space, Denver signed Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr., and traded for Jonas Valanciunas, bolstering their depth. On top of that, they are one of the frontrunners to land Kawhi Leonard, should his contract be voided.
In short, Denver is in a really good spot, and even though Porter Jr. wasn’t happy with the trade, he can’t knock his old team’s talent.
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MAY 01: Michael Porter Jr. #1 and Christian Braun #0 of the Denver Nuggets react after a foul is called during the second quarter against the LA Clippers in Game Six of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome on May 01, 2025 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Michael Porter Jr. Sends Strong Message to Denver
Porter Jr. claims that he got along well with Nikola Jokic and the rest of his old teammates, and there’s really no reason to dispute that. He doesn’t think Jokic told the front office to trade him, although he knows he likely could have stopped it.
“He’s not the type of guy to try step on people’s toes and be super controlling, even though he probably could and has that power,” Porter Jr. said on the September 23rd episode of Respectfully, The Justin Laboy Show.
Spurred on by ownership to make a change, Porter Jr. thinks the new Nuggets’ front office wanted to make a splash, and he was simply the most expendable player on the roster.
While he insists there is no bad blood, he wants to put on a show when he faces off against Denver for the first time in his career.
“I do know when we play them, like it’s gonna be up for sure,” he offered. “It’s gonna be fun. I’m gonna go at them dudes, and I know they’re gonna go at me. It’s gonna be really fun because I want to show them like, ‘Yo, I’m in a whole different role now with Brooklyn.’ When my shoulder is healthy and I’m feeling good, like that’s gonna be a fun game for sure.”
In Denver, Porter Jr. was the third or fourth best player behind Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon. On his new team, there’s a case to be made that he is the best player, and he has a very real chance to lead the Nets in scoring.
Porter Jr. Makes Nuggets Finals Prediction
Heading into the season, the Nuggets are expected to be the Oklahoma City Thunder’s biggest threat at repeating as champions, and Porter Jr.’s Nets are expected to be near the bottom of the standings.
Usually, a player might say that he thinks his team–however underwhelming–always stands a chance, although he will readily admit that Denver is in a good spot.
“They can win another title,” he said. “You got Joker, you got Jamal, they got better. Cam Johnson is a great player. They got Bruce back. Julian Strawther is a year older, Peyton Watson and Christian Braun. They can definitely do it.”
With internal improvements and a revamped roster, it’s hard not to believe him.
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