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Nuggets Coaches and Players Address Trade Rumors

Image Source: 9News @ YouTube

The Nuggets and forward Michael Porter Jr. have emerged as key figures in notable trade discussions early this season, with reports indicating that the Denver organization is exploring a potential deal for Bulls guard Zach LaVine. Porter’s salary cap figure, approaching $36 million, would be crucial for facilitating any trade involving LaVine or a similarly high-earning player.

In light of this speculation—and a report from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer regarding the Nuggets considering a trade involving Porter—head coach Michael Malone addressed the situation prior to Monday’s game against Phoenix, asserting that much of the buzz is exaggerated, according to Bennett Durando of The Denver Post.

“A lot of it is noise. I mean, I don’t know where it comes from,” Malone stated. “You see various reports that are out there, and you never want that information getting out. But I’ve communicated with (general manager) Calvin (Booth), and Calvin has a solid grasp on these situations. Whenever issues like this arise, he keeps in touch with the players and their agents to clarify what is real and what is not. And as of right now, after 25 games into the season, there’s nothing to it.”

Malone stressed that he wants his players to focus on what they can control and to not be sidetracked by unfounded concerns. He commended the Nuggets’ front office for maintaining effective communication with players over the years, ensuring they are not caught off guard during trade discussions.

Following Monday’s victory, in which Porter recorded 24 points on 10-of-12 shooting during a dominant 27-point win against the Suns, he shared that the front office had kept him updated amidst the trade speculation.

“They’ve contacted me and said it’s all noise,” Porter remarked (Twitter video link via DNVR Sports). “There’s nothing serious happening, and if there was, they’d inform me. They’ve mentioned they appreciate my play and to keep being aggressive, and they have no intention of moving me at this time.

“But I also understand they wouldn’t disclose if they wanted to trade me,” Porter added with a humorous note. “But they have reached out, yeah.”

Currently, Porter is achieving a career-high average of 18.3 points per game across his first 27 games this season, coupled with 6.9 rebounds and a personal-best 2.8 assists per game, showcasing impressive shooting percentages of 51.8% from the field and 38.8% from three-point range.

However, the 26-year-old forward has not been viewed as a strong defensive player, and his maximum-salary contract—which extends for two more years with over $79 million guaranteed beyond the current season—positions him as a likely candidate for a high-profile trade.

When queried about the stress associated with trade rumors, Porter downplayed his concerns, noting that it is simply part of the business. He reflected on his fortunate experience of spending his entire career thus far with one team and winning a championship alongside that organization.

“When situations like this arise, I don’t think I take it personally,” the seasoned forward said, as reported by Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette. “You have those instances where you’re like, ‘Man, I want to be here,’ or whatever thoughts cross your mind.

“However, I believe I’ve conquered so much in my life. I’ve faced significant challenges with my family and personally, so rumors about trades don’t really bother me. I leave those concerns up to God. I have no stress about it because I trust that wherever I go, it will happen for a reason. I love where I am and enjoy playing with these guys. I think we have a chance to create something special, but to address your question, it isn’t stressful for me.”

Image Source: 9News @ YouTube

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