In a surprising twist to the Denver Nuggets’ trade discussions, it appears that forward Michael Porter Jr. is all but untouchable on the trade market.
Despite trade rumors linking him to other teams and even potential shakeups in Denver’s roster following the late-season firing of head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, sources indicate that the Nuggets’ ownership has a deep personal connection to Porter that significantly impacts any decision involving his future with the team.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Kroenke family—who owns the Denver Nuggets—has a unique bond with Porter rooted in their shared connection to the University of Missouri.
Both Porter and members of the Kroenke family attended Missouri, and this strong allegiance to their alma mater has created a sense of loyalty that, in the eyes of the Nuggets’ ownership, makes trading the 26-year-old forward an unlikely scenario.
Sources close to the team have confirmed that ownership struggles to envision a situation where they would approve a deal that involves parting ways with Porter.
Porter has become an integral part of the Nuggets’ success, playing a pivotal role in their 2023 NBA championship run. Averaging 18.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists this season while shooting 50.2% from the field and an impressive 39.3% from beyond the arc, Porter has proven himself as one of the team’s most important contributors.
His shooting ability and rebounding have made him a valuable piece in Denver’s offense, and although his injury history has raised concerns, his on-court impact is undeniable.
The Nuggets’ commitment to Porter is especially intriguing given recent reports suggesting that the team had explored potential trades for him, including discussions surrounding players like Cam Johnson and Zach LaVine.
However, it seems that the personal connection between Porter and the Kroenkes is more significant than the strategic or financial considerations typically involved in trade negotiations.
As a result, the Nuggets find themselves in a bit of a conundrum. While key players like Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are expected to be untouchable due to their star status, Porter’s status with the team is largely dictated by a deeply rooted emotional and personal connection to ownership rather than just basketball dynamics.
In a league where trades are often driven by performance, salary cap considerations, and team needs, Porter’s situation stands out as one driven by an unexpected factor—his ties to the franchise’s leadership.
This situation could limit the Nuggets’ flexibility in future trades. If they are unwilling to move Porter, it leaves very few tradeable assets on the roster. With Jokic and Murray unlikely to be available in any trade discussions, Porter’s position as a key asset could be constrained by these off-court dynamics.
That said, the Nuggets’ loyalty to Porter might also provide stability for the team as they look to build around their championship core.
While Porter is certainly a talented player and a valuable piece for the Nuggets, his personal ties to ownership appear to make him practically untouchable.
The Kroenke family’s admiration for their shared Missouri roots ensures that barring an unlikely turn of events, Porter will remain a fixture in Denver for the foreseeable future. As the Nuggets look to go deep in the postseason, the loyalty to Porter may prove to be an asset as much as his on-court contributions.
