Recent performance issues and injury status are raising questions about Michael Porter Jr.'s future with the Denver Nuggets, especially considering his significant contract. His play in the ongoing 2025 playoffs has drawn particular scrutiny.
During the first game of the series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Porter Jr. had a notably poor outing. He recorded just 2 points and 4 rebounds, shooting 1 of 8 from the field and missing all three of his three-point attempts. He finished with a team-worst plus-minus rating of -15 in a game the Nuggets won.
This performance led to coach David Adelman limiting Porter Jr.'s minutes, ultimately benching him down the stretch. This decision came despite MPJ playing through a shoulder injury suffered in the second game of the prior series against the Clippers.
While he has played through the injury, observers note that his inconsistent play predates the recent issue. He has been described as an inconsistent role player who can shoot but struggles in other areas, particularly on defense.
The forward is currently playing under a large max contract, a five-year, $179 million rookie-scale extension signed in 2021. This deal pays him over $35 million this season and increases in future years, reflecting the organization's initial expectation of star-level production.
However, his progress has reportedly stagnated since helping the team win the championship in 2023. Now nearly 27 years old, concerns are mounting that he may be running out of time to consistently perform at the level expected for his salary.
Teams, including the Thunder, are expected to target Porter Jr. defensively in an effort to exploit his weaknesses. This tactical approach makes his continued presence on the court challenging if his performance does not improve.
If the inconsistency continues, it could lead to him being benched more frequently. Beyond that, reports suggest the Nuggets' front office, led by Calvin Booth, may consider significant roster changes this offseason, potentially involving trading Porter Jr. and his large contract for depth or assets, representing a possible career-altering outcome ([(Source)](https://nugglove.com/michael-porter-jr-running-out-time-avoid-career-altering-outcome)). He was recently listed as probable for a game, indicating the team expected him to play through his injury ((Source)).
