The Denver Nuggets are at a crossroads this offseason, as they have probably realized that their current core might not be enough anymore to deliver the championship trophy to the Mile High City. A roster shakeup could be on the horizon, and Michael Porter Jr. appears to be the guy most likely to be traded this summer.
Maybe it's best if the Charlotte Hornets steer clear of the fallout since the forward is already 26 and set to earn $38.8 million next season and $40.8 million the following year. Acquiring him would necessitate shipping out key pieces, including probably Miles Bridges and Grant Williams, along with some draft picks.
However, Porter Jr.'s fit with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller is definitely intriguing.
There's a reason the Hornets reportedly had their sights set on the former University of Missouri standout in the 2018 draft. The offensive upside was pretty hard to miss, but his injury had teams and scouts rightfully concerned. Charlotte ended up snubbing Porter Jr., who went off the board at No. 14.
Hornets must be open to mulling over a trade for Michael Porter Jr.
For a while, it looked like his health issues would derail his career, but it appears he has finally overcome them, averaging 79 appearances per season in the last two campaigns. He has also proven to be a potent scorer, putting up 17.4 points per game over the past three seasons on 49.2 percent shooting from the field and 40.1 percent behind the 3-point line.
The Hornets have to be wary about some red flags, though. While they could certainly take advantage of Porter Jr.'s size, shot-making abilities, and efficiency from midrange and long distance, their defense could take a significant hit with him, Ball, and Miller manning the perimeter. Things could be much worse if Mark Williams, whose rim-protection skills still need refinement, continues to be Charlotte's anchor in the paint.
Another reason to be cautious about Porter Jr. is his tendency to disappear when it matters most. Take his 2025 playoffs performance, for instance. He recorded just 9.1 points per contest as the Nuggets stumbled to a second-round exit. Even his supposedly more inexperienced teammate, Christian Braun, outscored him in the postseason.
It's possible that a change in scenery and an increased role beside Ball and Miller could allow all three to flourish on offense. For that reason alone, it would be worthwhile for Charlotte to explore a trade. But the team also has to keep in mind that it could draft a different version of Porter Jr. this summer, with Ace Bailey potentially available at No. 4 in the 2025 NBA Draft.