The Denver Nuggets are currently encountering a tough financial predicament as they are expected to surpass the second apron of the NBA’s luxury tax. To evade this substantial penalty, the franchise is contemplating making considerable changes to its salary structure, particularly concerning its star athlete, Michael Porter Jr.
Porter Jr. inked a lucrative five-year, $179.3 million maximum extension with the Nuggets prior to the 2021-22 season. However, since he signed that contract, his court time has been marred by injuries, resulting in a significant disparity between the team’s aspirations and his actual output. Consequently, his name frequently surfaces in trade conversations.
In his guest appearance on the Off Guard podcast with Austin Rivers, Porter Jr. candidly discussed the stresses associated with his maximum contract. MPJ also illuminated how the financial factors have influenced his passion for the sport.
“I would have played this game for free as long as I could eat. I loved it. The financial rewards sometimes make it a bit more difficult to savor the game because with a max contract come numerous expectations regarding consistency. ‘Oh, you’re supposed to be an All-Star; you’re supposed to be this, that, whatever they claim,” he explained.
Michael Porter Jr.’s NBA 2K25 Rating Remains the Same After a Mixed Season
On Tuesday, NBA 2K disclosed its list of players ranked No. 51 to 70 in the Top 100. Michael Porter Jr. had a solid season as the Denver Nuggets’ third scoring alternative behind Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. As a result, he was included in this ranking group.
Porter Jr. secured the No. 67 position on the list, preserving an overall score of 83. This rating matches his initial score in NBA 2K24, the same year the Nuggets captured the NBA championship. Despite not delivering the anticipated performance last season, MPJ maintained his score.
Throughout last season, Michael Porter Jr. participated in 81 games, averaging 16.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per contest while shooting 48.4% from the field.
Image Source: Michael Porter Jr. @ Instagram
