Home/NBA
feature-image

via Imago

feature-image

via Imago

Michael Porter Jr. entered the NBA as a high-risk, high-reward prospect—a potential superstar whose back injuries made teams hesitate. Fast forward to 2024, and he’s one of the Nuggets’ highest-paid players, proving that sometimes, risks pay off.

What is Michael Porter Jr.’s contract with the Nuggets? Exploring all his contracts in the NBA

Michael Porter Jr. has ad a rollercoaster ride with the Denver Nuggets. Starting back in 2018, he was widely seen as one of the top prospects in the NBA draft. His talent was undeniable—there was even talk that he could be the number one overall pick. But the question on everyone’s mind was, Could his back hold up? That uncertainty led to the hooper falling to the 14th pick, where the Nuggets swooped in, willing to take the risk.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The journey started rocky. On July 3, 2018, Porter signed his rookie contract with the Nuggets, a four-year deal worth just over $15 million. But fate had other plans. After undergoing back surgery on July 19, 2018, Porter Jr. missed his entire rookie season. The injury forced the once-promising young star to sit out and wait, unsure of when, or if, he’d ever take the floor in a Nuggets uniform. The unknowns loomed large.

Finally, in October 2019, his much-awaited debut came against the New Orleans Pelicans, where he scored 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist. Now this is something that most hoopers do not do in their debut match. His first significant performance came in December 2019 against the Sacramento Kings, where he scored 19 points and grabbed six rebounds in just 26 minutes. It was clear: Michael Porter Jr. was starting to find his rhythm.

article-image

As Porter Jr. began finding his rhythm, the 2020 season was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a bubble format. But, he kept fighting, and Porter dropped a career-high 37 points in the Orlando bubble, leading the Nuggets to a crucial win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. It was the kind of performance that made the league sit up and take notice.

What’s your perspective on:

Did the Nuggets strike gold with Michael Porter Jr., or is his contract a risky gamble?

Have an interesting take?

But in 2021, the hooper was once again sidelined with back surgery. This made his season a blur of recovery and frustration for Porter, as he missed most of the year. But then came 2023, when everything clicked. Porter was a key contributor, as the team made a historic run to their first-ever NBA championship. In Game 5 of the Finals, he played a crucial role in the victory, putting up 16 points and 13 rebounds.

However, after a championship win, he signed a massive five-year, $172 million rookie extension in September 2021. His contract could increase to $207 million, but only if he earns an All-NBA selection. This deal was a significant milestone, not just for him, but for the Nuggets. He will earn an average salary of $35.9 million per year, where the hooper became officially one of the highest-paid players in the league. The 2024-2025 season will see him earning $35.9 million, a reflection of his role in Denver’s future.

Porter Jr.’s elite three-point shooting and floor-spacing ability make him a crucial offensive weapon for the Nuggets, especially in their high-paced system led by Jokić.

By 2027, at 28 years old, he will earn $40.8 million and reach the end of his contract. As a free agent in 2027, his next move will be a major chapter in his career. But for now, his story continues in Denver, a player who overcame adversity and proved he was worth every penny of that massive contract. So now that you know about all his contracts, let’s explore the other side of his source of income.

What is Michael Porter Jr.’s net worth?

Michael Porter Jr.’s net worth as of 2024 is estimated to be around $30 million. This figure comes not only from his salary with the Nuggets but also from his brand deals. While his on-court earnings are impressive, Porter Jr. has also built a strong financial portfolio through endorsements. It all started in 2018.

Does Porter Jr. have any brand deals?

He signed a multi-year endorsement deal with Puma. He was making a big push to re-enter the basketball scene, having been absent from the market for nearly two decades. However, Porter became one of the first players to sign with them. He, along with DeAndre Ayton, Marvin Bagley, and Zhaire Smith, and his partnership with them grew as he made a name for himself in the league. The brand deals have released several signature shoes for their endorsed players, including the Clyde Court, but exact earnings from these endorsements remain private.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

But there were some questions too related to his loyalty to the brand deal. If you remember, Denver’s championship run in 2023, he was spotted wearing Nike sneakers from Paul George’s line, this raised some questions about his brand loyalty. However, Porter confirmed that his connection with Puma remains strong. He cited the brand’s flexibility in handling his injuries and their commitment to promoting women’s sports as key reasons for his continued partnership with them.

As of today, the hooper continues to wear Puma footwear during games, showcasing both style and performance. With his new deal, he can focus on his game while Puma continues supporting him as a major endorsement partner.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Despite not having much-publicized information about his investments, it’s clear that the hooper’s financial savvy extends beyond his basketball contract. Apart from his deals, he’s shown a preference for luxury cars. He gifted a Tesla Model Y to his father and surprised his mother with a car for Christmas.

Given his injury history, the Nuggets’ decision to invest in Porter Jr. is a calculated risk. If he remains healthy, he could emerge as a consistent second or third scoring option behind Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray.

Have something to say?

Let the world know your perspective.

ADVERTISEMENT

0
  Debate

Did the Nuggets strike gold with Michael Porter Jr., or is his contract a risky gamble?

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT