Nets' Michael Porter Jr. Gets Warm Welcome in Denver Return

The former Nuggets star received a standing ovation from fans at Ball Arena.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:31pm

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Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. returned to Denver to face his former team, the Nuggets, for the first time since being traded in the offseason. Fans at Ball Arena gave Porter a loud ovation during pregame introductions and the Nuggets played a tribute video highlighting his time with the team, including their 2023 championship run. Porter, who is being linked to trade rumors, had an impressive performance, scoring a game-high 38 points with 10 rebounds, but the Nets ultimately fell to the Nuggets 107-103.

Why it matters

Porter spent the first six years of his NBA career with the Nuggets, helping the team win the championship in 2023. His return to Denver was an emotional moment for both the player and the fans, who recognized his contributions to the team's success over the years.

The details

Michael Porter Jr. was traded from the Nuggets to the Nets in the offseason in exchange for Cameron Johnson. Porter is now playing at an All-Star level for the Nets, while Johnson has only played 28 games for the Nuggets due to injuries. Despite the Nets' loss, Porter had an impressive individual performance, scoring 38 points with 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks.

  • On January 30, 2026, the Brooklyn Nets visited the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena.

The players

Michael Porter Jr.

A 27-year-old forward who spent the first six years of his NBA career with the Denver Nuggets, helping the team win the championship in 2023, before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets in the offseason.

Cameron Johnson

A player who was traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Michael Porter Jr. and a first-round pick in 2032. Johnson has only played 28 games for the Nuggets due to injuries.

Denver Nuggets

An NBA team based in Denver, Colorado that won the championship in 2023 with Michael Porter Jr. as a key player.

Brooklyn Nets

An NBA team that acquired Michael Porter Jr. in a trade with the Denver Nuggets in the offseason.

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What they’re saying

“He deserves a standing ovation.”

— mohitolewis (Twitter)

“What a beautiful, nice welcome he got.”

— augu_emeka (Twitter)

“Never should have left.”

— ajaybolt0 (Twitter)

“Fans respect former stars.”

— SelvaVerse (Twitter)

“Nuggets believed in him, paid him, then realized their roster was too expensive, but nonetheless, they did some good things together.”

— Coffee_n_ball (Twitter)

The takeaway

Michael Porter Jr.'s return to Denver was a bittersweet moment, as the Nuggets' fans showed their appreciation for his contributions to the team's championship run, even though he is now playing for a different team. This highlights the emotional connection between players and the cities they've represented, and the respect fans can have for former stars, even if the team ultimately had to part ways with them.