“Nuggets’ Malone and Porter Address Trade Rumors”

The Nuggets and forward Michael Porter Jr. have been at the center of one of the biggest trade rumors so far this season. Denver is reportedly exploring the possibility of a deal for the Bulls guard Zach LaVine. Porter’s cap hit of nearly $36 million would be required for matching purposes in a trade for LaVine or another trade target earning a significant salary.

We address this rumor – along with one from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer that suggests the Nuggets are considering the idea of ​​trading Porter – the head coach Michael Malone said before Monday’s game against Phoenix that there was more smoke than fire in the rumor mill, 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 said. “You see different things that are out there and you never want those things to get out there. But I spoke to (general manager). Calvin (booth)and Calvin had a good pulse in this regard. And whenever something like this happens, he’s in touch with the boys and their agents to let them know what’s real and what’s not. And at this point, when we have 25 games in the season, there’s nothing wrong with that.”

Malone added that he wants his players to focus on what they can control rather than “worrying about the wrong thing.” He also praised the Nuggets’ front office for the work it has done over the years in communicating with players and making sure they are not unprepared during trade season.

Speaking to reporters after Monday’s game, Porter – who scored 24 points on 10 of 12 shooting in a 27-point win over the Suns – agreed that the front office was wise to reach out to him, as trade rumors began circulating.

“They turned to me and said it was all noise.” Porter said (Twitter video link via DNVR Sports). “There is nothing serious going on and if so they would let me know. They said that they love the way I play and that they want to continue to be aggressive and that they don’t feel like moving me at the moment.

“But I also know that if they wanted to change me, they wouldn’t tell me.” Porter added with a laugh. “But they came forward, yes.”

Porter is averaging 18.3 points per game in his first 27 games this season, the highest of his career. He also contributes 6.9 rebounds and a career-best 2.8 assists per night, with an impressive 51.8% shooting from the field and 38.8% on three-pointers.

However, the 26-year-old has never been viewed as a defensive asset, and his max-salary contract — which includes two more years and over $79 million in guaranteed money beyond this season — makes him Denver’s most logical big-money trade chip.

When asked if being the subject of trade rumors was stressful, Porter downplayed his concerns, noting that he understands it’s part of the deal and pointing out that not only is he “blessed,” his entire business to spend your previous career with a team, but also to win a championship with this club.

“When something like that comes up, I don’t think I take it personally.” the veteran forward said, according to Vinny Benedetto of the Denver Gazette. “You have these moments where you’re like, ‘Man, I want to be here,’ or whatever the thoughts are that go through your head.

“But I think I’ve overcome so much in my life. I’ve been through so much with my family. I’ve personally been through so much that little things like a trade rumor I kind of leave to God. I have no stress at all because I know that wherever I end up is where it will be. I love where I am and I love playing with these guys. I think we have a chance to go out and do something special, but to answer your question, it’s not stressful for me.”