Nov 6, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) during a time out ihe first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Nuggets Ownership Breaks Silence on Potentially Trading Star Player

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI
By Matt Guzman | Last updated Apr 14, 2025 8:00 PM ET

Michael Porter Jr. has proven to be an integral piece to the Denver Nuggets' long-term success behind Nikola Jokić. It doesn't make him untouchable.

Addressing the media prior to the beginning of the NBA Playoffs, Nuggets president Josh Kroenke made clear the team's direction after firing 10-year coach Michael Malone and answered any looming questions regarding the roster and interim coach, David Adelman.

Nuggets ownership is unlikely to ever approve a Michael Porter Jr. trade due to his ties to Missouri, per @TheSteinLine

“The Kroenkes have a fondness for Porter that stems from deep ties to their shared alma mater: Missouri. Sources with knowledge of Denver's thinking have… pic.twitter.com/QNhGCMj8jd
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 12, 2025

Unsurprisingly, one such question regarded Porter and a report that Denver's top brass was blocking the idea of a trade due to the star's ties to Missouri.

Kroenke laughed.

"Completely false," he said of the report. "If it wasn't such a serious accusation, I would probably laugh a little harder."

Josh Kroenke on the recent report that he would never trade MPJ:

"If it wasn't such a serious accusation, I would probably laugh a little harder."

"Completely false." pic.twitter.com/DfBdhxLYK8
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) April 14, 2025

Porter, 26, averaged 18.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game this season, cementing himself as Denver's third option on offense. In his six seasons with the Nuggets, Porter has only shot significantly under 40 percent from beyond the arc once and has proven himself as one of the league's top shooters.

Such figures don't make him immune to roster moves — especially not after February's madness — but Kroenke's statement wasn't a warning shot to Porter, either. The executive simply made a point.

Whatever is necessary to make Denver as competitive as it can be behind Jokić will be done. If that means moving Porter down the road? So be it.

It's not imminent, but it's not impossible.

This article first appeared on Denver Nuggets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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