Big changes have already started for the Denver Nuggets, and more are likely coming this offseason. Whatever those changes look like, they may not include Michael Porter Jr.
Porter has been the subject of trade rumors for some time, and that chatter might accelerate if the team makes changes to the roster this offseason. However, the forward might be insulated from the changes for one unusual reason. According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Denver ownership, led by Stan and Josh Kroenke, has a deep affection for Porter stemming from his ties to the state of Missouri.
Porter played at Missouri in college, and both of the Kroenkes went to the school as well. As a result, sources told Stein they “struggled to envision ownership ever approving a deal” that would move Porter.
Nuggets ownership is unlikely to ever approve a Michael Porter Jr. trade due to his ties to Missouri, per @TheSteinLine
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 12, 2025
“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
If the Nuggets did make wholesale roster changes, Porter had been seen as one of those most likely to be involved. He even predicted the issue arising before the start of this season. If not him, it gets more difficult to envision who moves, as Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon are both signed to expensive long-term contracts.
Porter is having a solid season for Denver. He is averaging 18.1 points per game while shooting 39.3% from three-point range, and has firmly established himself as the team’s third option on offense. That has not been enough to fend off sweeping organizational changes this week, with more to come.
