Picture this: You’re 30,000 feet above the Atlantic, heading to a luxury vacation in France, when your phone buzzes with news that changes everything. That’s exactly what happened to Michael Porter Jr., who learned about his trade from the Denver Nuggets to the Brooklyn Nets while cruising toward St. Tropez. Most players would panic, stress, or immediately start making calls. Porter Jr.? He took a nap.
How Did Michael Porter Jr. React to Learning About His Trade Mid-Flight?
Porter Jr. opened up about his mindset when he first received the trade news while flying to his summer getaway.
“I kind of flipped the script in my head pretty quickly. Honestly, I’m not like a super anxious guy or anything like that. So on the plane when I found out, I was kind of just like, ‘Well, I’m traded,’ and kind of just took a nap afterwards,” Porter Jr. told ClutchPoints’ Erik Slater during a media scrum.
Michael Porter Jr. on the Nuggets trading him:
“Honestly, I’m not like a super anxious guy or anything like that. So on the plane when I found out, I was kind of just like, ‘Well, I’m traded,’ and took a nap afterwards.” pic.twitter.com/IGjWJVigFP
— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) July 14, 2025
The trade sent Porter Jr. and a 2032 first-round pick to Brooklyn in exchange for forward Cameron Johnson. This move represents one of the most unexpected deals of what has been a chaotic NBA offseason filled with jaw-dropping trades and roster shake-ups across the league.
What Led to Porter Jr. Feeling Limited in Denver?
Porter Jr. entered the league when he was drafted 14th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets. However, his professional debut was delayed due to a back injury that cost him the entire 2018-19 season. Once he was healthy, he wasted little time showcasing his talent.
During the six seasons he played for Denver, he grew into a highly efficient sharpshooter. He peaked in the 2024-25 season, averaging 18.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 50.4% from the field and 39.5% from 3-point range.
Despite helping the Nuggets capture their first-ever NBA championship in 2023, Porter Jr. often found himself positioned in a supporting role behind Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. The dominant duo’s two-man game left Porter Jr. operating primarily in a catch-and-shoot capacity.
Injuries also played a factor in his Denver experience. During the 2025 playoffs, a nagging shoulder issue limited him to just 9.1 points per game.
Porter Jr. had previously hinted at feeling constrained in Denver. In a previous YouTube video, he candidly mentioned that his ceiling in Denver had plateaued. During this recent interview, he echoed that sentiment again.
“When you’ve got a good team like that and you’ve got so many guys who are capable on the floor together, there’s gonna be guys that sacrifice… That’s the nature of when you’re on a championship team… I just feel like I have more in my tank still. I don’t feel like I’ve reached my peak, and I’m excited to grow my game, expand my game, explore my game, and see what I could do,” said Porter Jr.
Asked Michael Porter Jr. why he felt his ceiling “plateaued” in Denver and what he’s expecting with Brooklyn:
“I averaged 21 [points] one year. Last year, I was around 18 as the third option. I just feel like I have more in my tank still. I don’t feel like I’ve reached my peak,… pic.twitter.com/yHYooCOAqR
— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) July 14, 2025
Now in Brooklyn, the forward will have an opportunity to spread his wings. With his elite 40.6% career 3-point shooting, the Nets may finally give Porter Jr. the offensive freedom he’s long craved.
