USA Today via Reuters
Sep 22, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Jerami Grant (9) and forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) and guard Jamal Murray (27) react after a play as Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) looks on during the second half of game three of the Western Conference Finals of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 22, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Jerami Grant (9) and forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) and guard Jamal Murray (27) react after a play as Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) looks on during the second half of game three of the Western Conference Finals of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Nuggets scaled massive heights during the 2019/20 NBA season. The team developed an undying attitude under the leadership of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray and went all the way to the conference finals. These two are undoubtedly cornerstones of the franchise, but what about the flashy and young Michael Porter Jr?
Porter emerged as a sensational prospect in the NBA owing to his college and high school heroics. In fact, the 22-year-old is a highly decorated high school star and holds a unique record to his name along with LeBron James and three others.
USA Today via Reuters
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Nuggets picked him up with the 14th selection in the 2018 NBA draft. A major back injury held him from competing during his rookie year, which went down as a disappointment.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, Michael Porter Jr. starred for the Nuggets this season but is yet to cement his place as a starter. He’s shown glimpses of his talent, and the Nuggets are so impressed that they want to keep him for a few more years.
Denver Nuggets unwilling to include Michael Porter Jr. in trade deals
After a spectacular season, one would hope for the Nuggets to add more firepower to their roster. Adding another star player can bolster their attack, and that would mean trading out a few players.
There have been several blockbuster trade deals over the years, but the Nuggets might not think to that extent. However, getting in a star player would mean offloading a few assets from the roster. But the management would not think about giving up Michael Porter Jr!
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“In talking to teams around the league, the Nuggets have made it clear: Michael Porter Jr. is not available,” said ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. “Do not ask.” He debunks the idea of giving Porter and receiving a fresh new talent to the team.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“I thought Denver would go whole hog on this, but I can’t tell you how much I was told this week that they’re not trading Michael Porter Jr.,” Windhorst added. “If you believe Michael Porter is a future All-NBA player, which some people do, not everybody, that’s a polarizing discussion…”
Michael Porter Jr. averaged 9.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists during the regular season. Moreover, he proved his worth in the NBA bubble by averaging 14.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.0 assists over 26 games.
