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Michael Scotto on Russell Westbrook: It was interesting certainly how he ended in Denver to get to this point. So, usually when you're going to decline an option, you'd almost think like something was lined up, but we're still here at this point.
“I’ve been there. I’ve played several times,” he added about visiting Denver to clarify his status heading to the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season. “When I am sure, I will talk about everything. You will be the first to know, for sure,” he quickly wrapped up questions about his future.
Michael Porter on trade to Nets: 'It's been a whirlwind'
“It’s been a whirlwind,” said Porter, who found out he’d been traded from the only team he’d ever known while flying to Saint-Tropez, France. He reacted as expected. “I flipped the script in my head pretty quick. Honestly, I’m not like a super anxious guy. So on the plane when I found out, I was just like, ‘Well, I’m traded,’ and took a nap afterwards. [But] I’m excited to be here, though. I love Denver, I love my time there, but I’m excited for this new chapter.”
In an interview with BeBasket, Yabusele revealed that Denver was also in the running. Joining three-time MVP Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets was a serious option, but the opportunity in New York proved too compelling to pass up. “It all happened super fast! As soon as I got the offer, I had to give an answer within two hours,” he said. “On the other side, there was also an offer from Denver. I had to act quickly not to miss the opportunity that New York represents, especially with such a great lifestyle!”
“I actually was on the way here to St. Tropez and I’m here trying to enjoy my time before I head back to Denver and head back to work,” he started. “I’m laying down on the plane and I got on the WiFi and I saw a text I got from my agent and someone from the front office in Denver, I think it was Jon Wallace (Denver’s new GM), just saying ‘yo, can you get on a phone call? It’s urgent.’ And I immediately knew what was up. I immediately knew what was going on. “So, I couldn’t get on the phone with either of them because I’m on the plane and I just started texted back and forth with my agent and I was like, ‘Where are we going? Like where am I headed to?’ and he told me Brooklyn. My first thought was just kind of shock because honestly I think two days prior, I was walking around my home in Denver. I actually was staying at the Four Seasons residences and I was down there at the bar or something… and I ran into Jon Wallace “I didn’t even know he was the newly appointed GM because I’m off social media, so I had no idea. I ran into him, we sat down and talked for a while, he started telling me how we’re going to build the team, who he wants to get, who he wants to surround us with, who he wants in the second unit. He wants to feed me the ball in the second unit, all this stuff, getting me excited.”
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MPJ continued by saying how he and Cam Johnson are “boys” and that the two even discussed the possibility of swapping homes in their new respective cities, at least to start. Both have two years left on their respective deals. “Obviously Denver got a great player and a great dude, and I’m excited for him to finally be able to compete for a championship over there. I, myself, am excited to expand my game [in Brooklyn] and be able to do what I do.”
Michael Porter on Denver: 'I feel like my ceiling had kind of plateaued'
Michael Porter Jr: “I’m really excited for this next chapter out here in Brooklyn. Over there in Denver, I feel like my ceiling had kind of plateaued,” he said. “We just have a way of playing, and how Joker plays, how Jamal plays, that two-man game is very potent. That’s how we play. I’m so appreciative of the way we played. We end up winning a championship, but I do feel like my ceiling in Denver kind of plateaued a little bit. I’m excited for this next chapter in Brooklyn, for sure.”
Ryan Blackburn: Bruce Brown is official in Denver. He will wear # 11 again.
Marc Stein: Dallas has been in discussions with former Lakers/Cavaliers/Raptors assistant coach Phil Handy and Jones to fill staff vacancies created by the departures of Jared Dudley to Denver and God Shammgod to Orlando. As reported here last week, Handy also has interest from the Knicks.
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What emerges is that Panathinaikos was cautious even about agreeing for Jonas Valančiūnas to come to Greece. However, they had the guarantee from the Lithuanian player’s agent—who is not actively involved in the player’s NBA team negotiations—that Denver would definitely release him.
Marius Milasius: Jonas Valanciunas on his trip to Denver: “It’s quite far but you can do it quick these days. I don’t think there’s any issues with that. I can't join the (National) team from the beginning (July 14) according to the NBA insurance rules. I think I will have time for everything.”
Marc Stein: The Jonas Valančiūnas-for-Dario Šarić trade is on course to be made official this week after Denver makes Michael Porter Jr.-for-Cam Johnson official, @TheSteinLine has learned. The Nuggets, I'm told, must make their Brooklyn trade official first before acquiring Valančiūnas.
Nuggets inform Jonas Valanciunas they expect him to fulfill his contract
Shams Charania: Denver has informed Jonas Valanciunas' reps that the franchise fully intends to have him honor his contract as the Nuggets view Valanciunas as a critical center addition to back up Nikola Jokic and play alongside him. Greek team Panathinaikos pursued Valanciunas in recent days.
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