Nuggets Likely To Retain Michael Porter Jr. Amid Trade Rumors, GM Decision Looms

While the Denver Nuggets may field trade interest in forward Michael Porter Jr. this summer, all signs point to the 26-year-old remaining with the franchise for at least one more season, according to a mailbag column from The Denver Post’s Bennett Durando.

Despite persistent speculation surrounding Porter’s future, team owner Josh Kroenke has publicly reinforced his belief in Denver’s current core.

“I think a lot of our answers are internal right now,” Kroenke said recently, an indication that any major shake-up, including a Porter deal, appears unlikely barring a blockbuster offer.

Translation? The Nuggets aren’t shopping Porter, but they’re not hanging up the phone either.

Porter, who entered the league with long-term injury concerns, has become increasingly durable. He appeared in 81 and 77 games the past two seasons and delivered consistent production: 18.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game this season while shooting an efficient .504 from the field and .395 from deep.

As one of the league’s most dangerous catch-and-shoot threats, he just seems to fit next to Denver stars Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon.

Still, there’s a financial element simmering in the background. Durando notes that Denver’s cap sheet grows heavier by 2026–27. Gordon is set for a $9 million raise, and Christian Braun — viewed internally as a long-term piece — is expected to land a significant new deal. Porter, meanwhile, will enter the final year of his contract that season, positioning him as a potential trade chip with expiring value.

Basically, while this summer may be quiet, next summer could be a different story.

GM Search Continues with Internal Favorite

Meanwhile, the Nuggets appear to be leaning toward keeping their general manager search in-house. Interim GM Ben Tenzer remains the frontrunner to retain the position permanently after stepping in for Calvin Booth, who was dismissed just before the start of the playoffs.

Durando reports that Tenzer has received high marks from Kroenke for his handling of team operations during a transitional stretch. Should Denver pivot outside the organization, Minnesota Timberwolves GM Matt Lloyd is viewed as the top alternative.

Bottom line: For now, continuity reigns in Denver. But with cap crunches looming and title expectations still sky-high, the front office may soon find itself balancing loyalty to its core with the realities of roster management.