Brooklyn – Following his recent trade to the Brooklyn Nets, former Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. shared insights into his relationship with three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and discussed the circumstances surrounding his departure from Denver.
Porter Jr.’s Productive Tenure with the Nuggets
Michael Porter Jr. was a key player for the Denver Nuggets after being drafted 14th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft. Though he missed his rookie season due to injury, Porter Jr. spent six seasons with the team, establishing himself as a highly efficient scorer.
During his time in Denver, he averaged 16.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, with remarkable shooting splits of 50% from the floor and 40% from three-point range. He was also an essential contributor to the Nuggets’ 2023 NBA Championship victory.
The Trade and Jokic’s Role?
Earlier this offseason, Porter Jr. was traded from the Nuggets to the Brooklyn Nets in a deal for forward Cam Johnson. In a recent interview, Porter Jr. explained that the trade was largely driven by a front-office overhaul, not by player-driven decisions.
“Basically, what happened was after we lost, the head coach was gone, they fired him two to three games before the playoffs,” Porter Jr. said to The Sporting News. “They fired the GM, so a new GM comes in, and I think he just wanted to switch stuff up.”
He went on to state that Jokic’s personality kept him out of the decision-making process, saying, “The deal came up with Cam [Johnson] but Joker’s so laid back, I really don’t feel like the owner and the GM really had many conversations.”
Did Jokic Influence the Trade?
Porter Jr. explicitly dismissed any idea that his former teammate pushed for his exit. He emphasized the respect and genuine connection they shared, confirming that their relationship was strong despite the trade.
“Me and Jok’ had a dope relationship, man. I don’t think [the trade] came from him,” Porter Jr. affirmed, expressing confidence that the three-time MVP did not force him out of Denver.
Discussion about this post