Michael Porter Jr.'s 19lb offseason muscle gain reportedly in preparation for Michael Malone & Nuggets’ new scheme: Report

Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. has focused on his body this offseason, adding 19 pounds of muscle to prepare himself for the new season. Fans will see a new and improved Porter in the 2024-25 NBA season as coach Michael Malone reportedly has a new plan on how to use the forward.

Since entering the league, Porter has played the small forward position. At 6-foot-10, the former star high school basketball player has an advantage over the other forwards. He's quick, strong and athletic for how he's built physically, which is why he's a nightmare matchup for the defense.

Now, the power forwards will be tested next season. According to NBA insider Matt Brooks, the Nuggets head coach plans to increase Porter's minutes at the power forward position next season. The added muscle weight for the forward now makes sense as the players at the 4 position are often stronger.

Given that he's set to have more time at the 4, he's now listed with a weight of 237 pounds.

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As an offensive-minded player, his soon-to-be opponents will have a hard time guarding him. Porter has incredible shot creation and is willing to take the ball inside when needed. Nuggets fans will see a slightly different player in him next season.

Porter has also expressed his desire to play bigger this summer.

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Are the Nuggets preparing to trade Michael Porter Jr. for a star forward?

Over the summer, the Nuggets lost an important piece when Kentavious Caldwell-Pope signed with the Orlando Magic over the summer. This has left fans wondering how the team will compensate for this loss during the offseason.

A few experts have suggested that the team should consider trading Michael Porter Jr. He is in the middle of his five-year, $179.3 million deal. Many have said that trading the forward and his contract could help improve the roster and potentially acquire another star to help Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.

In this scenario, longtime NBA writer Bill Simmons suggests that Denver should make a move to trade Porter for Brandon Ingram. During the summer, there have been rumors regarding the New Orleans Pelicans and the future of the star player.

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According to Simmons, Ingram will fit better with the Nuggets than Porter. Additionally, having Jokic operate the offense will likely unlock a different skillset of the offensive arsenal of the All-Star forward.

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