Michael Porter Jr. has opened up about the unusual goodbye message he received from Nikola Jokic after being traded from the Denver Nuggets to the Brooklyn Nets.
Speaking on the Glory Daze podcast, Porter revealed that Jokic’s only parting words were, via HoopsHype, “Wrap it up out there. Make sure you wear a condom out there.”
Porter admitted the farewell was both lighthearted and difficult. He explained that saying goodbye to his longtime teammates, including Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon, was an emotional moment given their years together in Denver.
The 27-year-old forward had been a core piece of the Nuggets since being drafted in 2018, helping the franchise win its first-ever championship in 2023. In his final season with Denver, Porter averaged 18.2 points and seven rebounds per game, solidifying his role as a reliable scorer and rebounder.
Over six seasons, Porter appeared in 345 regular-season contests, averaging 16.2 points and 6.4 rebounds. He also contributed in the postseason, where in 75 playoff games he averaged 13 points and nearly seven rebounds.
The Nuggets traded Porter to the Nets on July 8, sending him along with a 2032 first-round pick to Brooklyn in exchange for Cameron Johnson. The move marked a significant roster shift for Denver while giving the Nets a proven scorer to bolster their lineup.
Shortly after the trade, Porter spoke candidly about his personal challenges, admitting in a YouTube video that “women has always been my vice.” He clarified, however, that he is working to maintain balance and avoid distractions as he begins the next chapter of his career.
Despite the abrupt nature of the goodbye, Porter emphasized that his bond with Jokic, Murray, and Gordon will remain strong, even as his career continues in a new city.
