DENVER -- With sincerity and a sense of humor, Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. discussed his reaction to hearing his name in trade rumors on Monday, reflecting on his career in Denver and saying the front office has told him there's no interest in trading him at the moment.

That could change, of course. As The Denver Post reported last week, the Nuggets are not eager to make a roster move this far in advance of the NBA trade deadline. Their ideal outcome is to feel confident enough in the direction of the team to not make a mid-season move. But they understand that Porter's $35.9 million cap figure is the only salary that could yield tangible improvements to the roster if necessary by the time Feb. 6, 2025, rolls around.