NBA champion Otto Porter Jr. has announced his shock retirement.
The 30-year-old Utah Jazz forward revealed his decision in a statement via the team’s website.
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“Over the past 11 years, I have been fortunate to fulfill my lifelong dream of playing in the NBA,” he wrote.
“That dream came to fruition by winning an NBA championship!
“Unfortunately, my body does not allow me to play at the level I expect of myself and therefore I have decided to retire.”
Fans on X, formerly known as Twitterwere apparently stunned by the news.
“Woah…this is a shock,” one comment read.
A second said they “thought he would have signed with someone this offseason. Enjoy retirement OPJ.”
While a third replied: “Happy retirement Warriors Legend.”
Having joined the Jazz in February in a trade with Kira Lewis Jr. from Toronto RaptorsPorter Jr. did not show up for his new team.
He was waived by Utah earlier Monday.
Prior to his time in Utah, Porter Jr. had spent most of his career as a member of the Wizards of Washingtonwho drafted him third overall in 2013.
There, he started 271 of his 384 appearances, averaging 10.7 points, 5 rebounds and 1.4 assists.
Traded to Chicago Bulls in 2019, he made just 54 appearances in three seasons before being sent to the Magic of Orlando.
Porter Jr. then signed for the Golden State Warriors, playing in 63 games during the 2022-2023 season en route to an NBA championship victory.
Only 23 appearances followed before he was traded to Utah.
Porter Jr. retires after playing in 527 games and earning more than $138 million.
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