What Happened to Michael Porter Jr.?
Michael Porter Jr. is an American professional basketball player currently with the Brooklyn Nets. After winning an NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2023, he was traded to the Nets in 2025, where he had a career-high season in 2025-26 before being sidelined by a hamstring injury. He has expressed a desire to sign a long-term extension with Brooklyn.
Quick Answer
Michael Porter Jr. was traded from the Denver Nuggets to the Brooklyn Nets in 2025 after six seasons and an NBA championship with Denver. In his first season with the Nets (2025-26), he achieved career highs in scoring, averaging 24.2 points per game, before a hamstring injury ended his season prematurely in March 2026. As of May 2026, Porter Jr. is under contract with the Nets through the 2026-27 season and has publicly stated his interest in signing a long-term extension with the team.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Born in Indianapolis, Indiana
Michael Lamar Porter Jr. was born in Indianapolis, Indiana.
College Career at Missouri, Suffers Back Injury
Porter Jr. played college basketball for the Missouri Tigers but suffered a lower back injury in his debut, missing most of the season.
Drafted by Denver Nuggets
Michael Porter Jr. was selected 14th overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 2018 NBA draft, falling due to health concerns.
Undergoes Second Back Surgery
The Nuggets announced that Porter Jr. underwent a second back surgery, causing him to miss his entire rookie season.
NBA Debut
Porter Jr. made his NBA debut, coming off the bench for the Nuggets against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Signs Rookie Max Extension with Nuggets
Porter Jr. and the Denver Nuggets agreed to a 5-year, $172 million rookie extension, potentially rising to $207 million.
Wins NBA Championship with Denver Nuggets
Porter Jr. contributed 16 points and 13 rebounds in Game 5 of the NBA Finals as the Nuggets secured their first championship.
Sets Nuggets Franchise Record for Three-Pointers
Porter Jr. surpassed Dale Ellis's record for most made three-pointers in a single season for the Nuggets.
Traded to Brooklyn Nets
After six seasons, Porter Jr. was traded from the Denver Nuggets to the Brooklyn Nets in a move that involved Cameron Johnson.
Trade Rumors Emerge Amidst Breakout Season
Amidst a strong 2025-26 season, trade rumors involving Porter Jr. and the Nets began to surface.
Ruled Out for Remainder of 2025-26 Season
Porter Jr. was ruled out for the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury, ending his career-high scoring campaign.
Expresses Desire for Long-Term Extension with Nets
Porter Jr. publicly stated his wish to sign an extension and make Brooklyn his long-term home.
Comments on Nuggets' Playoff Exit
Following Denver's first-round elimination, Porter Jr. suggested the Nuggets made a mistake trading him and would have won with him.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Michael Lamar Porter Jr., often known as MPJ, entered the NBA with significant potential but also concerns regarding his back health. Drafted 14th overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 2018 NBA draft, he missed his entire rookie season after undergoing a second back surgery. Despite these early setbacks, Porter Jr. gradually developed into a key offensive weapon for the Nuggets, known for his scoring ability and shooting prowess. His career trajectory saw a significant high point in 2023 when he played an integral role in the Denver Nuggets' historic NBA championship victory, their first in franchise history.
In September 2021, Porter Jr. signed a five-year, $179.3 million rookie max extension with the Nuggets, a deal that could have escalated to $207 million if he met certain All-NBA criteria. However, following the 2024-25 season, the Nuggets made a significant move. In 2025, Michael Porter Jr. was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, a move widely reported as a salary-clearing measure for Denver, who also attached a first-round draft pick to acquire Cameron Johnson.
His first season with the Brooklyn Nets in 2025-26 proved to be a breakout year for Porter Jr. He averaged a career-high 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 52 games, showcasing the high-level scoring forward talent that was anticipated since his draft. He even made a strong case for an All-Star selection early in the season, averaging around 25 points per game on efficient shooting through the first few months. Unfortunately, his season was cut short in March 2026 when he was ruled out for the remainder of the 2025-26 season due to a hamstring injury.
As of May 1, 2026, Porter Jr. is in the midst of his contract with the Nets, earning $38.3 million for the 2025-26 season and slated to make $40.8 million in 2026-27, after which he will be an unrestricted free agent. Despite the Nets finishing with one of the worst records in the NBA in 2025-26, Porter Jr. has expressed a strong desire to remain with the franchise, stating in April 2026 that he would "love to sign an extension" and make Brooklyn his long-term home. He also recently commented on his former team, the Denver Nuggets, after their first-round playoff exit in May 2026, suggesting they made a mistake trading him and would have won if he were still on the team.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Michael Porter Jr. made different choices?