Michael Porter Jr. Says Nikola Jokic Texted Him Right After the Trade: “Make Sure You Wear a Condom Out There” – The Joker Teaching MPJ Some Defense Off the Court
In a headline that has set NBA Twitter ablaze and sparked laughs across locker rooms and living rooms alike, Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. shared one of the more unexpected stories of the offseason—a text message from two-time MVP and NBA Champion Nikola Jokic that is as hilarious as it is quintessentially “Joker.”
According to Porter Jr., who was traded earlier this offseason in a surprise move that caught even seasoned insiders off guard, the first person to text him wasn’t his agent, a coach, or even a family member—it was Jokic. And the message? As MPJ recounted with a grin:
“He just texted me, ‘Make sure you wear a condom out there.’”
Simple. Strange. Unfiltered. And pure Jokic.
As the clip of Porter Jr. recalling the moment during a podcast interview went viral, fans and media immediately latched on to the line, dissecting it with a mix of humor and curiosity. While the message was clearly a joke—a tongue-in-cheek parting shot from a notoriously private but deeply sarcastic superstar—it also revealed something deeper about Jokic’s role as a mentor and friend, albeit in his own unconventional way.
Michael Porter Jr. himself laughed when he told the story, clarifying that Jokic isn’t exactly one for long, emotional conversations. “That’s just him, man. That’s Joker. That was his way of saying, ‘Be smart, take care of yourself, stay safe, don’t do anything stupid.’ It sounds crazy, but I knew exactly what he meant.”
For those familiar with Jokic’s personality, this isn’t surprising. The Serbian big man has long been known for his dry sense of humor, unpredictable comments, and a complete lack of concern for how his words may be perceived in a hyper-polished NBA media environment. But underneath the quirky delivery lies a high basketball IQ, a deep commitment to his teammates, and a leadership style that is far more effective than it may initially appear.
In this case, Jokic’s offbeat advice to Porter—who was traded to a young, rebuilding team full of new personalities and distractions—can be interpreted as a wise warning about the temptations and challenges that come with a big change. New team, new city, new scene—Jokic, in his own way, was telling his younger teammate to stay grounded, focused, and aware of the many non-basketball “defensive assignments” that might come his way.
The line has already become a meme and a cultural moment in the NBA offseason. T-shirts have popped up online with the phrase “Wear a Condom Out There – The Joker” emblazoned across the chest. Twitter timelines are flooded with fans quoting the line next to highlight reels of Porter Jr.’s best moments. Even Jokic’s typically quiet fanbase in Serbia has joined in on the fun, with Serbian media covering the quote in their sports columns.
Yet beyond the laughs, it underscores a unique brotherhood that exists between Jokic and the core players he’s shared his rise with—Porter Jr. included. The two had developed chemistry on and off the court over several seasons, sharing moments of brilliance during Denver’s championship run and leaning on each other through injuries, criticism, and expectations.
Porter Jr. has long been seen as one of the NBA’s most talented yet enigmatic young forwards. Standing at 6’10” with a silky shooting stroke, high-flying athleticism, and a natural scoring instinct, MPJ has the tools to be a star. But injuries, inconsistent play, and defensive lapses have haunted his time in Denver. Jokic, as the team’s leader, was often his quiet motivator—rarely pushing with words, but always elevating with actions and subtle encouragement.
Their bond was never one defined by dramatic locker room speeches or viral buddy clips. Instead, it was built on the court, through pick-and-pop plays, instinctual cuts, and knowing glances after a blown coverage or a tough loss. It’s perhaps that understated rapport that makes this wild parting message even more special.
MPJ’s move, while difficult, wasn’t entirely unexpected. With Denver facing the realities of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement and escalating payroll concerns, Porter Jr.’s sizable contract and inconsistency made him a trade candidate. The deal, which sent him to a team with a younger roster and more offensive freedom, may prove beneficial for his long-term growth. Still, leaving a title-winning environment and a teammate like Jokic is no small thing.
And Jokic knew that. He just chose to say it… differently.
NBA players often talk about leadership in very scripted terms: being vocal, setting examples, holding others accountable. But Jokic is part of a rare breed of players whose leadership is felt rather than proclaimed. Whether it’s a no-look pass in transition, showing up for team dinners, or firing off absurd but heartfelt texts, Jokic connects in ways that are uniquely his own.
And to MPJ, that late-night message probably meant more than a thousand-word farewell. In a league filled with manufactured personas and public relations-trained quotes, Jokic continues to operate on his own wavelength—genuine, strange, and unforgettable.
Porter Jr., for his part, has taken the transition in stride. “It’s a new chapter for me,” he said in the same interview. “And even though I’m not with those guys anymore, we’ve built a bond that goes deeper than basketball. That text from Jok was hilarious, but honestly? That’s going to stick with me. In the most ridiculous way possible, that’s probably the most caring thing he could’ve said.”
Now, with MPJ stepping into a new role and Jokic preparing for another season leading the Nuggets, their paths may be diverging—but their connection remains intact. NBA friendships often fade fast after trades, but this one feels different. Jokic’s message, however inappropriate on the surface, was a mix of comedy and brotherly concern, signaling a level of closeness not easily broken by business.
The moment also humanizes these players. For all their fame and fortune, they’re still young men navigating life’s chaos, trying to be better teammates, better professionals, and better people. And sometimes that journey includes awkward advice, unexpected texts, and the kind of humor only close friends can share.
As for Jokic, he likely has no regrets about the message. He’s not the kind to give PR-friendly farewells or tweet a multi-paragraph thank-you letter. He says what he wants, when he wants, and lets the chips fall where they may. He’s a walking contradiction—private yet raw, low-key yet explosive, and always true to himself.
So while NBA analysts break down Michael Porter Jr.’s trade value or speculate about his fit on his new team, most fans will remember this offseason for a single, bizarre, beautiful sentence. Jokic’s version of “stay safe, brother” will live in NBA lore for years to come.
Michael Porter Jr. may now be playing elsewhere, but wherever he goes—on or off the court—he’ll carry Jokic’s hilarious, unfiltered advice in the back of his mind.
And the rest of us? We’ll keep laughing, shaking our heads, and remembering that in the world of Nikola Jokic, even life lessons come with a punchline.
