Michael Porter Jr. recently opened up about the unique way Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić said goodbye following his trade to the Brooklyn Nets.
After being dealt along with a 2032 first-round pick in exchange for Cameron Johnson, Porter Jr. revealed that his farewell from Jokić was as memorable as it was hilarious.
Michael Porter Jr. Reveals Nikola Jokić’s Farewell Message
On “Glory Daze” with Johnny Manziel, Porter Jr. recounted Jokic living up to his “Joker” nickname, saying his parting words to him were simply: “Wear a condom.”
“It was tough saying goodbye,” Porter Jr. said. “They all kind of texted in the group chat. The only thing Nikola [Jokić] said was, ‘Wrap it up out there in NYC. Make sure you wear a condom out there.’ That’s all he said. That was his message. That was his goodbye to me.”
The trade marked a significant change for Porter Jr., who had been with the Nuggets since entering the NBA in 2018. This move to Brooklyn is the first trade Porter Jr. has been part of, but he emphasized that he remains close with his former teammates.
While the NSFW message from Jokić might raise eyebrows, it reflects the camaraderie and humor shared in the Nuggets locker room.
Porter Jr. joins the Nets as the team looks to bolster its forward depth. Wearing No. 17, he brings a versatile scoring and rebounding presence to the roster. During the 2024-25 season with Denver, Porter Jr. averaged 18.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, showcasing his ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game.
Brooklyn fans can expect Porter Jr. to step into a key role in the frontcourt alongside the Nets’ established stars. His scoring ability, athleticism, and experience make him a valuable addition for a team aiming to contend in the Eastern Conference. While the transition from Denver to Brooklyn will require adjustment, Porter Jr.’s skill set is expected to translate quickly.
Michael Porter Jr. says Nikola Jokić texted him, “Make sure you wear condom out there,” after his trade to Brooklyn 😂😂😂
(h/t @DNVR_Nuggets / @Andrew_Fenichel )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 21, 2025
Despite the trade, Porter Jr. has made it clear he values the relationships built during his time with the Nuggets. From group chats to playful messages, the bonds between Porter Jr., Jokić, and other teammates remain intact. Fans have seen countless examples of NBA players maintaining friendships across trades, and Porter Jr. hopes he and the Nuggets will be no exception.