Denver Nuggets ownership is reportedly unlikely to green-light any trade involving forward Michael Porter Jr., largely due to personal connections that go beyond basketball.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Kroenke family – owners of the Nuggets – have a long-standing admiration for Porter that’s rooted in their shared history at the University of Missouri, where both the player and members of the Kroenke family attended.
This connection has created a strong sense of loyalty and appreciation between Porter and the franchise’s leadership.
Sources familiar with Denver’s internal thinking have indicated that the organization has long found it difficult to imagine a scenario in which ownership would sign off on a trade that involves moving Porter.
While trade rumors occasionally surface around NBA players, especially those with sizable contracts like the forward’s, his unique ties to ownership make any such deal highly unlikely.
Porter remains a core piece of Denver’s roster, and his off-court connection to the Kroenkes appears to be an added layer of security regarding his long-term place with the franchise.
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
