NBA Trade Rumors: Nuggets reconsider moving key piece from championship run despite depth concerns

The Denver Nuggets fell short in the 2025 NBA playoffs, ultimately being eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in seven games. Following their postseason loss, rumors circulated about a potential roster change, including a possible trade involving a key player, Michael Porter Jr.

Porter's future with the team that drafted him was a major concern for the fans. In the playoffs, he averaged 9.1 points and 5.5 rebounds on 39.2 percent shooting. It was the first time the starting forward scored less than double-digits and shot less than 40 percent.

However, it was revealed that MPJ played through a shoulder injury. He suffered the injury in the first round against the LA Clippers and opted not to sit out during the Western Conference semifinals.

On Sunday, NBA insider Sam Amico reported on what Denver is planning to do with Porter. The initial reports about his future with the organization were about a potential trade. However, Amico reported that Denver is likely to retain the 6-foot-10 forward.

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According to team owner Josh Kroenke, a potential roster shake-up is unlikely. Amico said that while the team isn't shopping MPJ, the organization might still be open to the idea. However, it is not their priority heading into the offseason.

One of their top concerns this summer is who will be their next general manager. After firing Calvin Booth, Ben Tenzer was named the interim general manager. According to Amico, the Nuggets are leaning toward an internal hire, positioning Tenzer as the top candidate.

Porter has two years left in his five-year, $179 million contract. Last season, he appeared in 77 games, averaging 18.2 points, seven rebounds and 2.1 assists.

A former NBA star urges the Nuggets to trade MPJ

After the Nuggets' postseason loss against the Thunder, former NBA star Paul Pierce strongly suggested that they move on from MPJ. In their seven-game series, the starting forward put up 7.4 points and 5.3 rebounds.

His disappointing display on the court was one of the reasons why fans have suggested that the front office should trade him.

The former Boston Celtics star said that things would've been different if they had a veteran star in place of Porter. He urged that Denver should strike a deal with the Sacramento Kings and acquire DeMar DeRozan.

"I feel like if they had a DeMar DeRozan with that team right now with Joker," Pierce said (Time stamp: 48:30), "he don’t need to be the best player or the second-best player every night. He is going to give you more than what Michael Porter Jr. gave you."

The Nuggets have never paired Nikola Jokic with an active All-Star. While he has played alongside former All-Stars Russell Westbrook and DeMarcus Cousins, neither made the cut during their time in Denver. If the team follows Pierce's advice, the dynamic could shift, giving Jokic his first star partner. However, at 36 next season, DeRozan may have a limited championship window.

Edited by Alvin Amansec