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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 23: Michael Porter Jr. #17 of the Brooklyn Nets during Brooklyn Nets Media Day at Brooklyn Nets HSS Training Center on September 23, 2025 in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images)

The Denver Nuggets shipped out Michael Porter Jr. in hopes that the veteran Cam Johnson could be an upgrade ahead of what they hoped to be a deep postseason run.

Unfortunately, the Nuggets dropped out of the playoffs in six games against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Johnson struggled to fill Porter Jr’s shoes in Denver, while the former Nuggets first-rounder turned in an All-Star-caliber year with the Brooklyn Nets.

That series of events has been bittersweet for Michael Porter Jr.

The Ex-Nuggets Star Gets Honest About His Former Team’s Flame-Out

GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 07: Michael Porter Jr. #17 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the first half against the Washington Wizards at Barclays Center on February 07, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images)

“Kind of just almost feel like a hater, I’m watching the game, and I’m like, why am I cheering for the Wolves like that?” Porter Jr. said on The Road Trippin Show. “I think it’s that human nature.”

Before the 2025-2026 NBA season, the Nuggets were all Porter knew professionally. In 2018, he joined the organization and debuted in the following season after recovering from an injury.

The forward played in over 350 games with the Nuggets over a six-year span. He was a part of the team’s 2023 NBA Finals run.

GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 03: Michael Porter Jr. #17 of the Brooklyn Nets in action during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Barclays Center on February 03, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)

Despite the success he had as a key role player alongside Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic in Denver, Porter was the outgoing piece in a big offseason move. He can feel good about the idea that his team could’ve used him against Minnesota, but Porter has some sympathy as well.

“I didn’t like that [Aaron Gordon] was hurt, I didn’t like that [Peyton Watson] couldn’t do his thing. I was talking to Christian Braun during the series. He hurt his ankle the first game, and he played through it same way I played through a shoulder injury last year. Now, he’s getting killed on social media, especially since the comments he made. Those are my guys I wanted them to do well, but I mean I just think they might miss me I don’t know, probably not.”

Once again, the Nuggets have a lot to consider this offseason after a disappointing postseason. This time, it won’t have any effect on Porter’s future. The veteran forward has been adamant about staying put in Brooklyn.