Porter not in play for deals as trade deadline approaches

As Thursday’s trade deadline inches closer, one name the Nuggets have no intention of dealing is rookie Michael Porter Jr., according to a person familiar with the situation.

Since playing consistent minutes, Porter has averaged 12.3 points and nearly seven rebounds per game throughout January. Internally, he’s viewed as the type of player who could significantly elevate Denver’s ceiling.

After drafting him at No. 14 in 2018 and showing ample patience during rehab from his second back surgery last season, the Nuggets are beginning to reap the rewards of the sweetshooting 6-foot-10 forward. Porter, who’ll miss his second consecutive game Tuesday night against Portland after rolling his ankle, shot 48% from 3-point range in January.

The Nuggets also have to make decisions on fourth-year shooting guard Malik Beasley and fourth-year forward Juancho Hernangomez, both of whom could enter restricted free agency this summer. The Nuggets, who don’t have a firstround pick this upcoming draft because of the Jerami Grant trade, are in search of a firstround pick for Beasley, according to two league sources.

For Hernangomez, who has had an inconsistent role thus far this season partially because of the emergence of Porter, the Nuggets are looking for a second-round pick in return, the sources said. One team that has inquired about Hernangomez is the Atlanta Hawks.

Nuggets shooting guard Gary Harris is also reportedly available, according to several national reports. It’s unclear what Harris might return in a trade.