Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. has become the subject of online speculation following a Taiwanese tabloid report that connected him to a transgender model. The incident allegedly occurred in 2023, during Porter Jr.’s visit to Taiwan, and was detailed by the Taiwanese publication Mirror Media.
The report states that transgender model Xiao A La was seen checking into a luxury five-star hotel with an unidentified NBA player. Images obtained by the outlet reveal a tall male companion entering an elevator alongside Xiao, whose face remains blurred. Social media users have speculated that this individual could be Michael Porter Jr.
Although no wrongdoing has been established, the discussion has sparked broader conversations about the stigma that can still accompany transgender identities in public relationships. This controversy coincides with renewed attention to Porter Jr.’s comments from a 2024 podcast appearance on Curious Mike.
“I hear wild stories about some of these dudes,” Porter said while speaking to Lana Rhoades on the Curious Mike podcast. “Their fetishes get so crazy. They might be a straight man, but they’ve done so much stuff with so many pretty girls, and they have so much access to pretty girls, that now they’re over here messing with [trans women], or now they’re over here messing with dudes.”
Although Mirror Media does not present conclusive evidence, fans suggest there may be some truth since Porter Jr. was known to have toured Taiwan during his 2023 offseason.
Trade to Brooklyn Nets and New Season Expectations
In March, Michael Porter Jr. was traded from the Denver Nuggets to the Brooklyn Nets, alongside a 2032 first-round pick, in exchange for Cam Johnson. This trade marked a new chapter for Porter Jr., who is anticipated to take on a more prominent role in Brooklyn’s roster.
The Brooklyn Nets hold optimistic views about Porter Jr., with one team executive expressing confidence that Porter Jr. could contend for the NBA scoring title in the upcoming season.
“We’re transitioning our roster, of course. We’re going to play a lot of young players. But we need some vets to balance that. And, of course, we need to score some points,” the Nets’ executive told Hoops Wire.
“Porter will help us a ton there. I’m not saying he’ll win the scoring title, but I think it could be close.”
Last season, while with Denver, Porter Jr. averaged 18.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, serving as the team’s third scoring option after Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. The move to Brooklyn may provide Porter Jr. with increased opportunities and touches, potentially boosting his scoring output significantly.
Implications of the Speculation and Looking Ahead
The speculation surrounding Michael Porter Jr. and the transgender model has reignited conversations about privacy, public image, and transphobia within sports and social media circles. Despite the uncertain nature of the claims, the discourse highlights continuing challenges faced by transgender individuals regarding acceptance and representation.
Meanwhile, Porter Jr.’s career is poised for growth in Brooklyn, where the Nets envision him playing a significant role in their offensive schemes. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he balances personal attention with professional expectations in this next phase of his NBA journey.