Michael Porter Jr. Says Nuggets Told Him NBA Trade Rumors Are 'All Noise'

The Denver Nuggets reassured Michael Porter Jr. about his status within the organization's long-term future as the star forward is the subject of trade rumors.

"They've reached out to me and said it's all noise," Porter said Monday after a 117-90 win over the Phoenix Suns. "There's nothing serious going on, and if there was, they would let me know."

Porter said the Nuggets gave they impression they "have no desire to move me right now."

The Athletic's Tony Jones and Sam Amick reported on Dec. 17 that Denver is "canvassing the league in pursuit of a player who can offer significant help offensively." In the event the team went after a notable player, with Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine cited as an example, then Porter would likely be going the other way.

NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer followed up on Dec. 20 to report the Nuggets "have indeed weighed whether to trade away [Porter]."

The 26-year-old is in an unenviable position because he's by far Denver's best trade asset between now and the Feb. 6 trade deadline. Through 27 games, he's averaging 18.3 points on 51.8 percent shooting, and he's connecting on 38.8 percent of his long-range jumpers.

Even if general manager Calvin Booth was open to dealing guard Jamal Murray or forward Aaron Gordon, neither can be moved this season thanks to the contract extensions each signed. Porter is the only member of the roster, Nikola Jokić aside, who could net a serious return.

In his press conference, the 6'10" forward acknowledged the Nuggets "wouldn't tell me if they wanted to move me," so there's little in the way of firm guarantees he can get.

All he can do is count down the days until the deadline and hope he remains a Denver player on Feb. 7.

Of course, then the cycle will just start over again once the offseason arrives.