Nuggets Trade Rumors

Nugs, Birdman working on nest-case scenario
Comment
July 4
Denver Post
 
"Though a deal isn't done, amicable negotiations are going pretty well between the Nuggets and representatives of free agent Chris Andersen. "The Birdman" is the Nuggets' top free-agent priority, and both sides are hammering out a fair multiyear deal. Andersen's camp is hoping for a deal around $25 million for five years. The Nuggets are hoping to backload the contract and have Andersen make around $3 million next season, an NBA source said. Denver is currently close to the $71.15 luxury tax line from last season, and it's possible, with the signing of Andersen and perhaps others with lesser contracts, that the team could start the season with a payroll around $77 million (teams can then ..."
Nuggets in L.A. to get Birdman back in Denver
Comment
July 2
Denver Post
 
"After the first official day of free-agent negotiations, there is optimism that the Nuggets will be able to sign unrestricted free agent Chris Andersen. "I think it's fair to say that both sides are motivated," Nuggets director of basketball operations Mark Warkentien said Wednesday afternoon. "That's why we're in L.A. and meeting today." Warkentien is currently in Los Angeles meeting with Andersen's representatives, notably Denver-based attorney Mark Bryant and agent Steve Heumann of the L.A.-based Creative Arts Agency. Bryant said the goal is to try to get Andersen a five-year deal around the mid-level exception (in the $5 million range annually). "I think that's possible. But we're a ..."
Nuggets, Andersen working on deal
Comment
July 1
Denver Post
 
"The negotiations between Chris Andersen and the Nuggets have begun. Nuggets vice president of basketball operations Mark Warkentien is currently in Los Angeles, meeting with Andersen's representatives, notably Denver-based attorney Mark Bryant and agent Steve Huemann of the Los Angeles-based Creative Arts Agency. Bryant said the goal is to try to get Andersen a five-year deal around the mid-level exception (in the $5 million range annually). "I think that's possible. But we're a team player," Bryant said this morning. "We'll make the necessary adjustments if we can and find the right fit." There are numerous teams inquiring about the NBA's No. 2 shot-blocker from last season, notably ..."
Nuggets try making sense out of dollar days
Comment
June 30
Denver Post
 
"It's hard enough to get deep into the playoffs, but staying at that level is even more difficult. What the Nuggets do in July might go a long way toward determining their staying power. Denver hit the fiscal jackpot last season, paring payroll while improving its talent en route to making the Western Conference finals after five consecutive first-round playoff exits. Cutting salary and improving on the court will be much more difficult this time around. The Nuggets have more than $71 million in salary committed to players for the upcoming season, not including a $2.7 million qualifying contract offer to Linas Kleiza. After signing free agents, the priority of which is their own big man, ..."
Nuggets set to tip the cap
Comment
June 30
Denver Post
 columnist Dave Krieger
"Barely a month removed from their best postseason run in a generation, the Nuggets look around to see their rivals re-arming. The Spurs just added Richard Jefferson and DeJuan Blair and will probably get Bruce Bowen back. The Blazers are under the salary cap and are pursuing Hedo Turkoglu and Andre Miller. On the bright side, the Lakers are still the same team that knocked Denver out of the playoffs. So, what do the Nuggets do to keep up? That's the $9.8 million question. Or, given the hated luxury tax, the $19.6 million question. For the last year, the Nuggets have been on a serious cost-cutting campaign, slicing more than $20 million from the payroll to get below the luxury-tax ..."
Re-signing Andersen No. 1 concern
Comment
June 24
Denver Post
 
"The Nuggets' top priorities are re-signing center Chris Andersen and likely working on a contract extension with coach George Karl, according to NBA sources. Andersen played last season on a one-year, $998,398 contract. He likely will get a multiyear deal, and Denver could give Andersen an extra year if it means paying him less money next season to help with the salary cap. The team has yet to sit down and make an offer to Karl, who has one year left on his contract. Meanwhile, the agent for unrestricted free agent Dahntay Jones said the "goal" is for Jones to return to Denver, but that Jones desires a multiyear deal. He signed with Denver last summer for one year at $926,678. "I think ..."
Hunter will not opt out of contract
Comment
June 24
Denver Post
 
"Nuggets center Steven Hunter is not expected to opt out of the final year of his contract, his agent Mark Bartelstein said today. "As of right now we're not planning on doing anything," Bartelstein said. The deadline for opting out of a contract is June 30. But Hunter is due nearly $3.7 million next season, money that is hard to leave on the table, particuarly in the tenuous situation Hunter finds himself in. The Nuggets traded for Hunter two seasons ago, but chronic knee injuries largely have kept him off the court. He missed 30 games because of injury in 2007-08, and all of the 2008-09 season. Hunter said he would participate in summer basketball as much as he can to insisted he would be ..."
Birdman doesn't want to fly away
Comment
May 31
Denver Post
 
"On Saturday, Nuggets center Chris Andersen was asked the same forward-looking question all players whose season just ended must endure: What's the next step for the team? The Birdman's answer, however, was anything but routine. "Re-signing me," he said. Andersen is the Nuggets' most urgent priority in a summer that will test the organization's ability to continue to be frugal, yet field a championship-caliber team. He is one of possibly seven free agents. Andersen wants to return. "What better place to play than at home?" Andersen said. "I love this city, I love this state. I appreciate everybody in the whole town for backing us and helping us prove others wrong." But getting Andersen back ..."
Will Birdman fly south to OKC?
Comment
May 28
The Oklahoman
 
"The Birdman will be a free agent as soon as his Denver Nuggets finish, in victory or defeat, their NBA playoff push. Should the Thunder make a play for Chris Andersen? The Birdman, the 6-foot-10 flying cartoon character of a basketball player, was a Ford Center fan favorite for the first couple of months of the Hornets' two-year stay in Oklahoma City, before the NBA banned him for drug use.His spiked hair and wild tattoos belie the truth, that the Birdman, when healthy, is one heck of a ballplayer.The Birdman is just what the Thunder needs, an interior defensive presence. Despite making just one start and averaging just 20.6 minutes per game, the Birdman placed second in the league in ..."
Nuggets' Kenyon Martin has a broken finger on left hand
Comment
May 21
Los Angeles Times
 
"The spirit of the Denver Nuggets is not broken. But their power forward's finger is. What was originally diagnosed as a contusion to the left, non-shooting, ring finger of Kenyon Martin turned out to be a fracture. A Nuggets spokesman said Wednesday that Martin would play tonight in Game 2 of the Lakers-Nuggets series and probably would tape the finger to stabilize it. The availability of Nuggets backup guard J.R. Smith is less certain. He tried to follow his missed free throw at the end of Tuesday's 105-103 loss to the Lakers, was knocked to the ground, and was writhing in pain, clutching his lower right leg as the clock expired. The Nuggets were relieved to learn that Smith's injury was ..."
War's not over for Martin, Cuban
Comment
May 19
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"The war of words between a billionaire owner and a millionaire player continues to simmer as the NBA playoffs move on. Denver power forward Kenyon Martin said over the weekend that Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was "a coward" for apologizing to his mother through the internet rather than face to face for reportedly making disrespectful comments after Game 3 of the Mavericks' second-round series with the Denver Nuggets in American Airlines Center. It was the latest salvo in a long-running give-and-take of both words and stance-taking between Cuban and Martin. After Game 3, Martin's mother was seated near the exit that Cuban uses to leave the arena. Cuban has acknowledged saying "that includes ..."
Billups picks up award for sportsmanship
Comment
April 29
Denver Post
 
"There are other highlights that possibly await, but Chauncey Billups admits this has been an exceptional season. One that got even better Tuesday when the Nuggets guard was named the winner of the league's sportsmanship award. "It's been a dream, the things that have happened to me this year," Billups said. "I couldn't write a better script. I just hope it keeps going." Traded to his hometown team in November, Billups won the award named for his former boss with the Pistons, Joe Dumars. Billups received 82 first-place votes from his peers, edging Boston's Ray Allen and Detroit's Antonio McDyess. The NBA will make a donation on behalf of Billups to Porter-Billups Leadership Academy at Regis ..."
Karl now looking like a keeper
Comment
April 12
Denver Post
 columnist Dave Krieger
"The guy who created FireGeorgeKarl.com now says Karl is his second choice for NBA coach of the year. So, sure, we're a little fickle with the sporting objects of our affection and disdain, although blogger Andrew Feinstein says it is Karl who has changed, not him. I have known Karl for almost 20 years and I can assure you that he is always changing, never more than by his son's cancer, not to mention his own. Privately redeemed now, public redemption lies just around the corner, awaiting that first playoff series. Look around. Mike Shanahan is out of work and Josh McDaniels . . . well, let's not go there. Clint Hurdle has two choices: win or else. Tony Granato might take the fall for a ..."
Ailing Melo likely to return Monday
Comment
April 12
Denver Post
 
"Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony played against the Lakers with a stomach virus. After vomiting multiple times, he spent Thursday night, upon late arrival back in Denver, at Sky Ridge Medical Center, where he received four bags of intravenous fluids, a team spokesman said. He stayed there until Friday evening but made an appearance at the Pepsi Center on Saturday. Anthony is probable for Denver's game Monday against the Kings.

Clutch shooting.

In the past 19 games, Nuggets guard J.R. Smith has hit five quarter-ending buzzer-beating 3-pointers, most recently in the second quarter at the Lakers. Smith has made 12 total shots in the final six seconds of a quarter this season. Not bad, ..."

Kleiza says signing one-year Nuggets deal possible
Comment
April 5
InDenverTimes.com
 
"Forward Linas Kleiza will consider returning to the Nuggets next season on a one-year contract, enabling him to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2010. Money is expected to be tight in the NBA this summer, when Kleiza will be a restricted free agent. He acknowledged one option is to return to the Nuggets for the $2.7 million qualifying offer and then become unrestricted in 2010 when the economy could be better and more teams are expected to have salary-cap money. "Yes, it's definitely a possibility,'' Kleiza said in an interview Saturday with InDenver Times. "I don't think they're going to let me go unrestricted this summer. But, you know, it's isn't for me to decide. This ..."
Nuggets expect Nene to sit tonight
Comment
March 25
Denver Post
 
"The Nuggets anticipate they won't have center Nene in tonight's important matchup against the Hornets. Though the NBA has not officially suspended Nene for his actions in the Nuggets' previous game, coach George Karl was told by someone in the league to prepare without Nene. At the morning shootaround at New Orleans Arena, Nene sat on the bench, while reserve Johan Petro practiced with the first team. "It makes the challenge difficult," Karl said. "It's more passion, a more play-hard mentality. Maybe we'll play Renaldo (Balkman) and Johan more." Nene, who averages 14.6 points and 7.8 rebounds, was ejected in the fourth quarter of Monday's game at Phoenix. He threw an elbow toward the Suns' ..."
Nuggets chipper as Martin, Carter near full strength
Comment
March 22
Denver Post
 
"Steadily, the Nuggets are healing. On the court, a five-game stretch of sub-.500 opponents has helped the Nuggets get wins and confidence. Of equal value is that some key players are showing signs of getting back to their old selves just in time for a critical stretch run. Forward Kenyon Martin is the most well-documented case and arguably the most important. The Nuggets, in an effort to save him for important late-season games and the playoffs, are holding him out of second halves because of his lower back strain. But, according to Nuggets coach George Karl, Martin is scoring small victories on the day after games, when he is reporting little or no pain. "I think he's pretty happy with ..."
Martin, Carter wait for pain to subside
Comment
March 7
Denver Post
 
"There is no doubt the Nuggets' effectiveness on defense is negatively impacted with injured guard Anthony Carter and forward Kenyon Martin unable to play. Both missed their second straight game Friday night. Martin (low back strain) isn't sure when he'll return, and Carter (strained hip) says he should return after this two-game road trip. "It should be maybe another game, and then I should be ready," Carter said. Both players said they made the decision to sit out for the same reason - they felt they weren't helping the team. A disappointed Martin said he went as far as to tell teammates why he shouldn't be on the court right now. "I haven't been right," Martin said. "I haven't been ..."
Guard Hart could be Denver bound
Comment
February 28
Denver Post
 
"The Nuggets expect to sign guard Jason Hart early next week, an NBA source said. He was waived Friday by the Los Angeles Clippers. Denver coach George Karl has said he wanted another point guard for insurance and Hart, 30, is a seven-year NBA veteran who has averaged 2.3 points per game this season. Hart has been linked to the Nuggets before. The Nuggets had interest in the guard during the free-agent signing period two summers ago. Behind starter Chauncey Billups, the Nuggets have Anthony Carter at point guard. Carter has been serviceable and plays tough defense, but his turnovers and recent injuries have been cause for concern. The Nuggets have been searching for either a point guard or ..."
Karl says a move is still possible
Comment
February 26
Rocky Mountain News
 
"After losing Mikki Moore to Boston, coach George Karl said Denver still could add a player. "We might do something, or we might not do something. We're waiting for the phone to ring with a surprise," Karl said of a player possibly being bought out by Sunday's playoff- eligibility deadline. "We have our oars in the water." Before Moore, waived by Sacramento, chose Boston, Nuggets executive Mark Warkentien visited his agent, Mark Bartelstein, in Chicago. Karl phoned Moore. "I had good conversations," Karl said. "But as soon as I knew Boston was in on it, our recruiting battle was uphill." NENE'S PROGRESS Nene, who suffered a right knee bone bruise Sunday at Milwaukee, is walking without a ..."
Nuggets report: Thunder's Joe Smith targeted
Comment
February 24
Rocky Mountain News
 
"With center Mikki Moore likely no longer an option, the Nuggets are hoping Oklahoma City buys out forward Joe Smith, enabling Denver to pursue him. He must be bought out by Sunday to be playoff eligible. Moore's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said the Nuggets have a "ton of interest" in his client. But the Nuggets expect Moore, who is expected to clear waivers today, to sign with Boston. Bartelstein said Moore will make a final decision today, with Dallas, New Orleans and San Antonio also candidates. Sacramento last week waived Moore and guard Sam Cassell. The Nuggets have interest in Cassell, who is expected soon to talk with Nuggets coach George Karl. Bartelstein said he has talked with the ..."
Adding another big man could be a longshot
Comment
February 19
Denver Post
 
"The Nuggets were in preliminary trade talks Wednesday with Sacramento, NBA sources confirmed, but the two players Denver was interested in - John Salmons and Brad Miller - were ultimately shipped to Chicago. With the trading deadline at 1 p.m. today, the Nuggets are still looking to get some help on the front line, but nothing appeared imminent as of late Wednesday. Denver has only three true post players, Kenyon Martin, Nene and Chris Andersen. If Denver is to pull off a deal, it probably would involve one of its limited trade chips, Linas Kleiza, a player long coveted by Sacramento. Denver also has future draft picks it might be able to package, as well as seldom-used reserves Steven ..."
Karl: Don't expect Nuggets to be active before NBA's trade deadline
Comment
February 19
Rocky Mountain News
 
"Because of their success on the court and in the accounting department, the Nuggets likely will be impartial observers in advance of Thursday's NBA trade deadline. "I don't think anything's on the radar or even has a chance of happening," coach George Karl said after the team's morning shootaround Wednesday, "but things have a tendency of coming together late, and we'll listen." The Nuggets added Eduardo Najera at the trade deadline in 2005 and acquired Ruben Patterson and Reggie Evans at the deadline in 2006. "We've made some really good moves at the trade deadline that has helped us be a playoff team and to be a good team the second half of the season," Karl said. "I'm not sure that's ..."
Karl: Don't expect Nuggets to be active
Comment
February 18
Rocky Mountain News
 
"Because of their success on the court and in the accounting department, the Nuggets likely will be impartial observers in advance of Thursday's NBA trade deadline. "I don't think anything's on the radar or even has a chance of happening," coach George Karl said after the team's morning shootaround Wednesday, "but things have a tendency of coming together late, and we'll listen." The Nuggets added Eduardo Najera at the trade deadline in 2005 and acquired Ruben Patterson and Reggie Evans at the deadline in 2006. "We've made some really good moves at the trade deadline that has helped us be a playoff team and to be a good team the second half of the season," Karl said. "I'm not sure that's ..."
Billups an NBA all-star, Melo shut out
Comment
January 30
Denver Post
 
"Denver guard Chauncey Billups was selected to the Western Conference all-star team as a reserve Thursday. But forward Carmelo Anthony was shut out. Billups, a Denver native, is averaging 18.8 points and 6.5 assists and has changed the culture of the Nuggets this season. The Nuggets are 29-13 since acquiring Billups. Reserves are selected by the NBA's head coaches, who are not permitted to vote for players on their own team."
Melo still shooting for Friday return
Comment
January 25
Rocky Mountain News
 
"Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony was firing jumpers with plenty of accuracy after Saturday's practice. But, before Nuggets fans get too excited, he's not planning to return from a broken right hand any earlier than Friday's game against Charlotte. "I don't think it will be early,'' said Anthony, who has been out since getting hurt Jan. 5 against Indiana. "I still think the 30th.'' Anthony was ruled out Jan. 6 for three to four weeks. The three-week mark is Tuesday. Anthony already has missed seven games. It will be up to 10 after he sits out Sunday against Utah, Tuesday at Memphis and Wednesday at New Orleans. But Anthony isn't expecting much of an adjustment period when he returns. "I ..."
Nuggets' Jones could return Sunday against Jazz
Comment
January 24
Rocky Mountain News
 
"The freak right shoulder injury suffered by Nuggets guard Dahntay Jones in pregame warmups Tuesday might ultimately be a non-issue. Jones missed the game Tuesday against Sacramento, but the Nuggets didn't need their defensive stopper in a 118-99 rout of the Kings. Now the Nuggets seem optimistic Jones will return from the first-degree separation Sunday for the Northwest Division showdown against the Utah Jazz at the Pepsi Center. "I think Dahntay's going to try to play on Sunday," Nuggets coach George Karl said. "I think he's going to try to play." Jones was to have a follow-up exam Friday with Dr. Steve Traina and also performed agility drills with strength and conditioning coach Steve ..."
Nuggets' Jones may play Sunday
Comment
January 24
Denver Post
 
"Nuggets coach George Karl said injured guard Dahntay Jones is "going to try to play" Sunday against Utah, an important Northwest Division game. Jones suffered a first-degree separation of his right shoulder Tuesday during a pregame workout. Initially, Karl suggested Jones could be out up to two weeks. Jones worked out at the Pepsi Center with the Nuggets' strength and conditioning staff today and had an examination with Dr. Steve Traina. Jones is one of Denver's better defenders. If he's able to play, Jones will start, Karl said."
Jones injures shoulder in warm-ups
Comment
January 21
Denver Post
 
"While coach George Karl stood in a Pepsi Center hallway and said, "Dahntay's going to have his hands full," Dahntay Jones was on the Pepsi Center court, suffering a peculiar pregame injury. The Nuggets' starting guard was working on plays with assistant coach Jamahl Mosley before the Nuggets-Kings game and Jones was injured in a collision, suffering a first-degree separation of his right shoulder. Jones didn't play Tuesday, and he's unlikely to play Sunday against Utah. Karl estimated Jones will be out 1-2 weeks. Renaldo Balkman started in Jones' place. Karl had planned to start Jones on Kevin Martin, Sacramento's best player. Instead, Karl opted for Balkman, a defensive-minded player, who ..."
Karl struggling to get consistency in starting lineup
Comment
January 19
Rocky Mountain News
 
"Over the past two weeks, Linas Kleiza and J.R. Smith have shown the consistency of unstirred pancake batter. Double-digit scoring games one night, single-digit duds, the next. Seeking a bit of sanity and a defensive edge at the opening tip, Nuggets coach George Karl is considering starting veteran guard Anthony Carter today against the Houston Rockets. With forward Carmelo Anthony out with a broken right hand for the past five games, Karl has Kleiza and Smith in the starting lineup, with varying degrees of success. Kleiza scored 21 points as a starter against Miami on Jan. 7 but managed just one point two days later against Detroit. Smith supplanted Kleiza in the starting lineup Jan. 13 ..."
Smith 'relieved' he wasn't suspended
Comment
January 16
Rocky Mountain News
 
"Dallas owner Mark Cuban believed Nuggets guard J.R. Smith deserved a five-game suspension. Not only was Smith not suspended for an elbow he threw Tuesday that didn't connect, he didn't even get fined. "I'm relieved,'' Smith said. While the NBA closed its book Thursday on Smith, a league official said Cuban still is being investigated for talking to Smith at halftime about the incident and going onto the court in an animated fashion after a 99-97 Nuggets win that featured a late controversial call against the Mavericks. A decision could come Friday. Coach George Karl wasn't ever concerned about a suspension . "I don't know that, even if the elbow would have connected, that it would have ..."
Nuggets report: Moving target
Comment
January 16
Rocky Mountain News
 
"Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony has targeted the Jan. 30 game against Charlotte as when he'd like to return from his fractured right hand. But that is subject to change. "I just threw that date out there, but, honestly, it will be day to day," Anthony said. "I haven't ruled anything out." SILVER MEDAL Louis Amundson has found a home and moved up the charts. The Phoenix Suns forward, a Monarch High School graduate, is the second-most notable NBA player from the state, although the gap between he and Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups more accurately qualifies as a chasm. Amundson, who moved up to No. 2 when a knee injury sidelined Philadelphia's Jason Smith for the season, joined the rotation ..."
Billups worthy to join stars
Comment
January 16
Denver Post
 
"How can Chauncey Billups be an MVP candidate if he's not even deemed worthy to play in the NBA All-Star Game? That would be so very wrong. If the stars come out in the Arizona desert next month, and Billups isn't there to shine? Are there words to describe what a joke it would be? Travesty. Crazy. Injustice. "I want to know how you guys are going to get him in the All-Star Game," Nuggets coach George Karl said Thursday night, reversing roles on reporters and posing the tough dilemma. "That's what I want to know." Hey, hate to break this to you, George. You're lobbying the wrong people. As much as Billups deserves a trip to Phoenix for the All-Star Game, the press has absolutely zero power ..."
McDyess booed in Denver
Comment
January 11
Detroit Free Press
 
"The first time Antonio McDyess' name was called by the Nuggets' PA announcer Friday night, the 13-year NBA veteran received something he is unaccustomed to getting. Boos -- loud boos. It continued all night as the fans had nothing but love for former Nugget Allen Iverson and nothing but scorn for the other former Nugget in the house during the Pistons' 93-90 win. The fans apparently were letting McDyess know they didn't appreciate being snubbed more than two months ago when -- as a part of the Chauncey Billups-Iverson trade -- McDyess and the Nuggets negotiated a buyout of his contract, freeing him to return to the Pistons just over a month after the trade. He had to wait a month to ..."
Nuggets report: Coby Karl on the radar
Comment
January 10
Rocky Mountain News
 
"Down to two point guards, having two open roster spots and under the luxury-tax line, coach George Karl believes the Nuggets could sign his son, Coby Karl, by season's end. "There's some fans," Karl said of Denver executives who have watched the guard averaging 16.9 points for the NBA Development League's Idaho Stampede. "There are some people that like him. . . . As a dad, I hope that discussion would happen." Karl doesn't anticipate any move soon while Denver is adjusting to a trade for center Johan Petro and because of the recall of swingman Sonny Weems from the NBADL. Ten-day deals now can be signed."
Nuggets trade seldom-used Atkins for Thunder's Petro
Comment
January 8
Denver Post
 
"From Nene's stern statements to George Karl's subtle suggestions, it was understood the Nuggets desperately needed another big man. Help is on the way from Oklahoma City. On Wednesday, Denver acquired 7-foot reserve center Johan Petro and the Thunder's 2009 second-round pick for reserve guard Chucky Atkins, Denver's first-round pick in 2009 and cash considerations. The 22-year-old Frenchman averages 4.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. He led the Thunder in the preseason with 8.0 rebounds per game. "You have four to five teams out West where there's a 10-15 minute window you want to play a (reserve) big guy," Karl said. "You've got Portland who plays big, Lakers who play big, Shaquille ..."
Expect a Nuggets deal by trade deadline
Comment
January 7
Rocky Mountain News
 
"Expect a Nuggets deal by the Feb. 19 trade deadline. But don't expect one any time soon in the wake of the broken hand that will sideline forward Carmelo Anthony three to four weeks. At least that's the word from coach George Karl. "My gut feeling is probably not,'' Karl said. It looks now as if the Nuggets are in a wait-and-see mode with their team. Karl said the plan for the near future is to "evaluate Sonny Weems'' and then go from there. The Nuggets called up Weems after he averaged 18 points for the NBADL's Colorado 14ers. While the Nuggets are in no rush, expect them to make a deal by the trade deadline. They dealt Cheikh Samb on Monday to get just under the luxury-tax threshold of ..."
Weems, now back in NBA, made best of demotion to D-League
Comment
January 7
Rocky Mountain News
 
"When Nuggets rookie Sonny Weems was assigned to the Colorado 14ers last month, Denver coach George Karl was asked what the young swingman needed to work on. "The list is too long for this conversation," Karl quipped. Well, consider Weems' work complete, at least in the NBA Development League. The Arkansas product was called up Tuesday by the Nuggets, a move made after it was determined forward Carmelo Anthony is expected to miss at least three weeks because of a fractured right hand. Granted, Weems rather would have been part of the NBA rotation the past month than to have received big-time minutes with the Nuggets' D-League affiliate. But he was a good soldier in his time with the ..."
Nuggets' Atkins remaining patient, for now
Comment
January 5
Rocky Mountain News
 
"With all Chucky Atkins has been hearing, one wonders if he has put AAA on alert to prepare a TripTik. Nearly each week, the Nuggets guard gets wind of another destination where he could be shipped by the Feb. 19 trade deadline. "I've heard Toronto, Oklahoma City, New York, Orlando, Indiana . . . since the season started," Atkins said. But Atkins still is with the Nuggets, which is fine for now. But if Atkins, the third-string point guard after entering last fall with hopes of starting, isn't in the rotation by the Feb. 13-15 All-Star Weekend, he might ask to be traded. "Yeah, it could get to that point," he said. "But that's a long time away. A lot of things can happen." Atkins might not ..."
Melo expects to return Sunday
Comment
December 27
Rocky Mountain News
 
"Carmelo Anthony has a chance to become a matinee idol. After missing three games to rest his ailing right elbow, the Nuggets forward said Friday he expects to return Sunday against the New York Knicks. Tipoff at Madison Square Garden is set for about 11 a.m. MST. "I'm going to try to (play)," Anthony said. Anthony, Denver's leading scorer (20.5), was eager to play Friday night against Philadelphia, but he and the athletic training staff felt it was best to hold him out one more game. COMMANDER KARL Nuggets coach George Karl was able to go retro this Christmas when his son, Coby, bought him the arcade-style Missile Command game from the 1980s. "Got 12,000 last night," Karl said after a ..."
Carter wants to stay
Comment
December 22
Rocky Mountain News
 
"Point guard Anthony Carter doesn't figure to hesitate much next summer as a free agent. He wants to re-sign with the Nuggets. "Oh yeah, big time," Carter said. "That's my whole game plan is to finish up (his career) here. I'm not trying to go anywhere." Carter, 33, wants to sign a multiyear deal, saying another one-year deal is "not what I'm looking for." But Carter, who sought a multiyear deal last season but only got a one-year, $1.26 million minimum offer, doesn't sound as if he's planning to bolt if Denver offers only one year. "I'm trying to do everything in my power to do everything as a player for the Denver Nuggets and for the community to try to establish something here when I'm ..."
Atkins update
Comment
December 17
Rocky Mountain News
 
"Despite being the Nuggets' third point guard, Chucky Atkins said that doesn't mean he wants to be dealt. "I'm happy being in Denver," he said. "It's not like I'm asking to be traded. I don't want to be traded. I've been traded enough in my career." Denver is considering moving Atkins, marketable because only $760,000 of next season's final-year contract is guaranteed. "There's always the likelihood (of being traded)," he said. "I ain't expecting to go nowhere. If it happens, it happens. If not, it's (OK)." NO CHANGE Nuggets coach George Karl has thought about replacing starting shooting guard Dahntay Jones with J.R. Smith. But with the Nuggets playing well since the Nov. 3 acquisition of ..."
Karl concerned with K-Mart
Comment
December 16
Rocky Mountain News
 
"Nuggets coach George Karl is concerned about Kenyon Martin's ailing left wrist but doesn't believe bringing in another big man is soon needed. "I have a feeling it's going to be sore all year long," Karl said of Martin, who fell hard on the wrist Saturday but played Monday at Dallas. "This is going to be an injury that lingers and maybe (Martin can rest at) the All-Star break. "Chris (Andersen) is playing well and Renaldo (Balkman) is giving us good minutes when we need him. Our bigs, we've always been talking about we need another one, but the truth of the matter is, if we stay healthy, we don't need another one. It's more of a package of insurance." MONEY MATTERS Karl called owner Stan ..."
Kleiza trade talks
Comment
December 15
Rocky Mountain News
 
"Trade talk continues to swirl around Linas Kleiza. Newsday reported New York turned down an offer of forward David Lee for Kleiza. "We got Marcus ( Camby ) gone. We got ( Allen Iverson ) gone," Kleiza said. "One day, I wake up and I might be gone. That's part of the business. Our biggest names have been traded. Whatever happens, happens." The Nuggets might deal Kleiza because they need a big man, he's off to a slow start and because he'll be a restricted free agent. A Kleiza contract could put Denver over the luxury-tax line, and he has said he could play in Europe."
Kleiza trade coming?
Comment
December 14
Rocky Mountain News
 
"Nuggets forward Linas Kleiza heard trade rumors last season. He might be hearing them again as the Feb. 19 deadline approaches. ESPN.com reported Kleiza could be possible trade bait for the Nuggets to land another big man. Kleiza last season was discussed as a possibility to go to Sacramento in a deal for Ron Artest before the Nuggets elected not to pull the trigger. "This happened last year,'' Kleiza said of trade rumors. "I think we all learned that this is a business, that you don't know what is going to happen. We got Marcus (Camby) gone. We got (Allen Iverson) gone. "One day, I wake up and I might be gone. That's part of the business. Our biggest names have been traded. Whatever ..."
Nuggets' Martin likely won't face Timberwolves
Comment
December 10
Rocky Mountain News
 
"It doesn't appear Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin, hampered by a sore left wrist, will play tonight against Minnesota at the Pepsi Center. "Right now, I'd say it's doubtful,'' Nuggets coach George Karl said after Wednesday morning's shootaround. It would be second straight game missed for Martin, who sat out last Saturday at Sacramento. He last played last Thursday against San Antonio. Karl on Tuesday had called "better than 50-50'' Martin would play. But the wrist might not have healed well enough for Martin, who has called it his decision whether he will go."
Howard to Charlotte
Comment
December 10
Rocky Mountain News
 
"Forward Juwan Howard is on the verge of signing with Charlotte, Nuggets center Nene told the Rocky after practice Tuesday. It's disappointing news for Nene, a teammate of Howard's during Nene's rookie season of 2002-03 and for a month earlier this season. "He was very important to this team, and now we've lost him," Nene said of Howard, who's expected to sign with the Bobcats soon. The Nuggets signed Howard early in training camp and he made the opening- night roster on a nonguaranteed contract. But he was waived Nov. 3, when the Nuggets needed to clear a roster spot when they dealt Allen Iverson for Billups, Cheikh Samb and Antonio McDyess. After McDyess' contract was bought out Nov. 10, ..."
Nuggets report: Atkins likes Magic
Comment
December 8
Rocky Mountain News
 
"Healthy for the first time since signing with the Nuggets nearly 18 months ago, Chucky Atkins can't help but feel a little restless. The veteran point guard is buried in Karl's playing rotation, often relegated to extended mop-up duty or spot minutes when the game still has meaning. That's why Atkins perks up when he hears his name has been mentioned in trade talks involving the Orlando Magic. "It would be perfect for me," Atkins, an Orlando native, said Sunday. "It would be an opportunity to play. It's home. I can't turn it down." Orlando general manager Otis Smith told Florida Today that he has talked to Denver management about Atkins but nothing is imminent as the Magic explores options ..."
Guard Atkins would welcome trade to Magic
Comment
December 7
Denver Post
 
"Nuggets guard Chucky Atkins said his preference is to remain with the Nuggets, but he would be open to a trade to Orlando if it was to materialize. Magic general manager Otis Smith told Florida Today that Orlando has had discussions with Denver about Atkins as they probe teams around the NBA searching for an additional guard. The deal could involve forward Brian Cook as well as others. Atkins, who has had an injury-plagued tenure with the Nuggets since signing in 2006, is an Orlando, Fla., native. "Nothing's been said to me, I don't know nothing about it," Atkins said. "But if there's a trade that's on the horizon that will send me to Orlando in a situation where I could help a team and ..."
Atkins likes Magic
Comment
December 8
Rocky Mountain News
 
"Healthy for the first time since signing with the Nuggets nearly 18 months ago, Chucky Atkins can't help but feel a little restless. The veteran point guard is buried in Karl's playing rotation, often relegated to extended mop-up duty or spot minutes when the game still has meaning. That's why Atkins perks up when he hears his name has been mentioned in trade talks involving the Orlando Magic. "It would be perfect for me," Atkins, an Orlando native, said Sunday. "It would be an opportunity to play. It's home. I can't turn it down." Orlando general manager Otis Smith told Florida Today that he has talked to Denver management about Atkins but nothing is imminent as the Magic explores options ..."