Nuggets May Retain Porter Despite Trade Rumors
As of June 8, 2025, speculation continues around the Denver Nuggets potentially trading Michael Porter Jr. this offseason. However, Bennett Durando of The Denver Post, in a recent mailbag column, suggests the more probable outcome is that Porter stays with the team for at least another season. While the 26-year-old forward is frequently mentioned in trade rumors, Durando asserts that Porter likely holds greater value for the Nuggets than for other teams.
Team president Josh Kroenke has signaled a commitment to maintaining the current roster core, recently stating that “a lot of our answers are internal right now.” This implies that, unless Denver receives an exceptional offer, key players like Porter are unlikely to be dealt this summer.
Although Porter faced injury setbacks earlier in his career, he has proven dependable recently, playing 81 and 77 games over the last two seasons. In the most recent season, he contributed solid numbers — 18.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game — with shooting splits of 50.4% from the field, 39.5% from three-point range, and 76.8% from the free-throw line. His shooting ability and experience playing alongside stars like Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon make him an important asset.
Looking ahead, Durando notes that the team’s salary cap issues are expected to intensify in the 2026–27 season, with Gordon set for a $9 million salary increase and Christian Braun possibly due for a new contract. Porter’s deal will be expiring by then, making a trade more plausible next summer than now.
Front Office Update
Interim GM Ben Tenzer is reportedly the frontrunner to take over the role full-time. Since the dismissal of Calvin Booth, Tenzer has been managing the general manager responsibilities, and Kroenke has publicly praised his work. If Tenzer doesn’t get the permanent job, Minnesota’s Matt Lloyd could be a potential alternative.
Durant Trade Speculation
In a separate report, Durando voices doubts about Denver’s chances of acquiring Kevin Durant, but outlines hypothetical trade scenarios in case the Suns forward shows interest in joining the Nuggets. These speculative trade packages involve various combinations including:
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Jamal Murray
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Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun
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Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr.
Any such deal would likely need a third team involved, as both Denver and Phoenix are restricted by salary-matching rules.
Repeater Tax and Asset Limitations
Cap analyst Yossi Gozlan, in his Third Apron Substack, points out that Denver will be subject to the repeater tax starting next season, which could raise their luxury tax obligation to roughly $42.9 million. The team’s flexibility in trades is limited, as they possess few movable draft assets. Denver retains five first-round picks over the next seven years but is only eligible to trade one — either in 2031 or 2032. Their only available second-round pick is also in 2032.
