“Took a nap afterwards” – Michael Porter Jr gets candid after his departure from Nikola Jokic’s team | NBA News
Michael Porter Jr.’s sudden trade from the Denver Nuggets to the Brooklyn Nets sent ripples across the NBA world this offseason. The former Nuggets forward, who played a key role in Denver’s 2023 championship run alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, now finds himself in a completely new environment that is filled with young talent and rebuilding ambitions. While fans processed the deal with surprise, Porter’s own reaction was unexpectedly calm, even humorous, as he opened up about the emotional shift following his departure from Jokic’s team. After the news of his trade, Porter admitted that he had taken a nap.
Michael Porter Jr. opens up about leaving the Denver Nuggets and starting fresh with the Brooklyn Nets
Speaking ahead of the Nets’ summer league game against the Wizards, Michael Porter Jr. expressed both gratitude and excitement as he begins his Brooklyn Nets journey. “Definitely excited to see these young guys. I know we got some young talent out there, so excited to see what they can do. I’m excited to be here,” he told reporters.Porter further detailed the moment he found out about the trade, “Honestly, probably pretty quick,” he said when asked how long it took to accept the trade. “I kind of flipped the script in my head pretty quick. Honestly, I’m not like a super anxious guy or anything like that. When I found out, I was kind of just like, ‘well, I’m traded,’ and took a nap afterwards. I’m excited to be here, though. I love Denver, I love my time there, but I’m excited for this new chapter.”Porter’s move comes at a time when the Nets are in flux. The franchise missed the playoffs with a 26-56 record last season and is now looking to veteran leadership to spark a turnaround. At 27, Porter is one of the oldest players on the roster, bringing with him not only scoring ability but the poise of a champion.Brooklyn head coach Jori Fernandez, who previously worked with Porter in Denver, praised his mindset and leadership. “He’s excited to be here. I’m excited to reunite with him,” Fernandez said, via New York Post. “His work ethic is very good. He’s a pro, works really hard, so that’s going to be good for the young guys to see a guy like him that won a championship, and why.”While Fernandez made it clear Porter doesn’t need to “be anybody else,” the Nets are relying on him to lead by example. “The only thing we need to do is get him adjusted to his new teammates … but I know who he is and how good he is going to be. And I want him to lead being Michael Porter,” Fernandez added.Porter, who will be wearing No. 7 in Brooklyn, comes off a strong season where he averaged 18.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and shot nearly 40% from deep. “Just want to let ya’ll know I’m excited to be here. I’m gonna give you guys my all. I’m gonna help try to lead this team. I’m excited, so let’s get it,” Porter promised fans in a recent team video.Also Read: Stephen Curry gets heartfelt support from Jimmy Butler in Tahoe as he attempts to reclaim American Century Championship crown
