Why the Nuggets Will Never Trade Michael Porter Jr.—And It’s Not Just About Basketball
Let’s get one thing straight: Michael Porter Jr. isn’t just another talented wing on the Denver Nuggets roster—he’s untouchable. But not for the reasons you think.
Sure, he’s a walking bucket with sniper range and enough length to give coaches across the league sleepless nights. But when you look beyond the hardwood, there’s a deeper, messier truth: MPJ’s roots in Missouri and his off-court connections make him more valuable to the Nuggets’ ownership than most fans realize.
Let’s talk legacy, loyalty, and yes—politics. The Porter family is basketball royalty in Missouri. His father, Michael Porter Sr., has deep ties in the state’s hoops scene. MPJ himself was a high school legend, practically worshipped by local fans before his brief stint at Mizzou. He’s not just a player—he’s a brand, especially in the Midwest.
Now connect the dots: the Kroenke family, which owns the Nuggets, also owns the St. Louis-based St. Louis Blues and has major business interests in Missouri. Think they haven’t considered how dealing away a hometown hero might backlash with fans and stakeholders in one of their most profitable regions? This is business optics 101.
Trading MPJ isn’t just about X’s and O’s—it would be a PR landmine. You think Denver fans would be upset? Wait until you see the reaction in Columbia and St. Louis.
Call it sentimental. Call it strategic. Call it political. Just don’t call it surprising.
If you’re waiting for a blockbuster trade involving Porter Jr., don’t hold your breath. He’s not just part of Denver’s present—he’s part of a multi-state empire.
