Nuggets Downplay Trade Rumors As Michael Porter Jr. Shrugs Off Speculation

December 24, 2024

Trade rumors surrounding Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. have been a hot topic this NBA season, with reports suggesting the team could explore a deal for Bulls guard Zach LaVine.

Porter’s hefty cap hit of nearly $36 million makes him a key piece in any potential trade for a high-priced target like LaVine.

But despite the swirling speculation, head coach Michael Malone insists there’s more smoke than fire when it comes to the rumors.

Prior to Monday’s game against Phoenix, Malone addressed the chatter, telling reporters, “A lot of it is noise. I mean, I don’t know where it comes from. You see different things that are out there, and you never want that stuff getting out there.

“But I’ve talked to (general manager Calvin Booth), and Calvin’s had a good pulse on that stuff. And whenever that stuff is happening, he’s in touch with the guys and their agents to let them know what is real and what is not real. And as of right now as we are 25 games into the season, there’s nothing to that.”

Malone further emphasized the importance of focusing on what his players can control, rather than worrying about trade rumors. He also praised the Nuggets’ front office for their transparency with players during trade season, ensuring they aren’t blindsided by speculation.

Porter, who’s having a career year with averages of 18.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists, agreed with Malone’s assessment.

Following a dominant 24-point performance in Denver’s 27-point blowout win over the Suns, Porter confirmed that the Nuggets’ front office has kept him in the loop about the rumors.

“They’ve reached out to me and said it’s all noise,” Porter said. “There’s nothing serious going on, and if there was, they’d let me know. They’ve said they love how I’m playing and to keep being aggressive, and they have no desire to move me right now.”

Porter, however, had a lighthearted response when asked about the possibility that the Nuggets might not share all the details with him.

“But I also know that they wouldn’t tell me if they wanted to move me,” he added with a laugh.

Despite his solid performance, Porter’s defensive limitations and his maximum-salary contract — which has two more years and $79 million guaranteed — make him Denver’s most logical trade chip. Yet, the 26-year-old forward remains unfazed by the rumors, citing his perspective on the business side of the NBA.

“When stuff like this comes up, I don’t think I take it personally,” Porter said. “You have those moments where you’re like, ‘Man, I want to be here,’ or whatever the thoughts (are) that go through your head.

“But I think for me, I’ve overcome so much in my life. I’ve gone through so much with my family. I’ve gone through so much personally that little stuff like a trade rumor, I kind of leave that stuff up to God.

“I kind of have zero stress about it, because I know wherever I end up, it will be meant to be. I love where I’m at, and I love playing with these dudes. I think we have a chance to get rolling and do something special, but to answer your question, it’s not stressful for me.”

As the trade deadline approaches, it seems that Porter is focused on the task at hand – helping the Nuggets move back into contention, free from the distraction of trade talk.