Denver Nuggets Trade Rumors

Nuggets lose Danilo Gallinari for four weeks with "significant" ankle sprain
February 8
Denver Post
 
"The NBA's feel-good team is just that — a team. Seven players have led the Nuggets in scoring — and seven players have led the Nuggets in rebounding. "We play together, we run, we have fun," Rudy Fernandez saidTuesday. But any way you slice it, losing Danilo Gallinari hurts. Denver's top scorer said Tuesday he likely will miss a month because of a left ankle sprain suffered Monday night against Houston. X-rays also found a chip fracture in his left foot, but that was an injury doctors determined happened before Gallinari ever played professional basketball."
Nuggets' Gallinari could miss up to month with ankle injury
February 7
Denver Post
 
"The Nuggets' top scorer Danilo Gallinari could miss at least a month, after X-rays found a chip fracture in his left foot, according to coach George Karl. Gallo will remain in a walking boot for three to five days. Treatment will be for a significant ankle sprain. Today's MRI determined that the chip was from an injury from before Gallinari played basketball. It could have been worse. In late January, the Bucks' Andrew Bogut suffered a similar injury to Gallinari - landing on his left ankle and fracturing it. Bogut is out for 8-12 weeks."
Short-handed Nuggets lose at home to Rockets; Danilo Gallinari injured
February 7
Denver Post
 
"Four starters injured. A key backup away from the team. Then the backup center, who made a start, fouled out. The Nuggets were short-handed Monday night against Houston at the Pepsi Center, but they trailed by only four points with 1:21 left before losing 99-90 to the Rockets. The Nuggets (15-10) also might have lost Danilo Gallinari, who suffered a sprained left ankle during the third quarter. X-rays revealed a chip fracture in the foot. Gallinari will have a CT scan today."
Knicks plan to be 'aggressive' in pursuit of Smith
February 5
New York Post
 
"Mike D'Antoni acknowledged the Knicks' need for another shooter and indicated the club would be "aggressive'' in looking at free agent guard J.R. Smith. Smith, a former Nugget, will be eligible to play in the NBA once FIBA clears him following his Chinese Basketball Association playoff run. He's on the Knicks' radar and the feeling appears to be mutual — unless the club is getting used again. Smith tweeted on Friday: "New York City is where it's at!'' However, Smith's father said this week his son is looking for more than the Knicks room exception of $2.5 million. He scored 60 points in a playoff game in China earlier this week, though Smith has a spotty reputation character-wise."
Sources: Clippers are willing to offer Kenyon Martin mini mid-level exception of $2.5 million
February 2
Los Angeles Times
 
"Count the Clippers as one of the many teams still trying to get free-agent power forward Kenyon Martin, according to two people not authorized to speak publicly on the situation. Martin recently met with Clippers Coach Vinny Del Negro and Neil Olshey, the team's vice president of basketball operations, to gauge his interest in playing for the team, both people said. The Clippers would be willing to offer Martin the mini mid-level exception of $2.5 million, though they haven't made him an offer yet, one person said."
Kenyon Martin deciding which contender to join
February 1
Yahoo! Sports
 
"Kenyon Martin is expected to decide by this weekend which NBA team he'll join, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. The Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks have expressed interest in signing the veteran forward. Martin signed with Xinjiang Gyang Hui of the Chinese Basketball Association, but has since returned to the United States. He's not eligible to sign with an NBA team until Xinjiang's season ends, which could be as soon as Feb. 16."
Nuggets' Ty Lawson says he'll play vs. Memphis
January 31
Denver Post
 
"Ty Lawson confirmed today that Chico will play. The Nuggets' Lawson, whose on-court alter-ego is nicknamed Chico, said at shootaround that he'll play in tonight's Nuggets-Grizzlies game here at Memphis. Denver's starting point guard had missed three-straight games due to a sprained ankle. "Especially coming off a loss, I definitely want to get back out here and get on a winning streak," Lawson said, in reference to the Nuggets heartbreaker at home against the Clippers on Sunday."
Denver Nuggets extend contracts of Danilo Gallinari, Kosta Koufos
January 26
Denver Post
 
"There he was this month, his stoic Fellini-film face, his squared shoulders, his feet tap dancing on the hardwood as he stayed torso to torso with LeBron, with Kobe, with Melo. It's unclear whether Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari ever will be a one-name star, but the symbolism of his defensive dedication is clear — he wants to challenge the best. Gallinari, 23, is having a breakout season on both ends of the court. So the Nuggets locked him up Wednesday for the next four seasons. Gallinari's acceptance of a $42 million-plus contract extension shows that the Denver front office believes what coach George Karl has said, that Gallo could be an NBA all-star someday."
Nuggets, Gallinari agree to 4-year extension for $42 million
January 25
Denver Post
 
"Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari has agreed to a four-year contract extension. The 23-year-old small forward will make close to $42 million in that four year span, a league source told The Denver Post. The deal signifies Denver's dedication to building around a young nucleus, the same nucleus that was handed the keys after Denver traded Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups 13 months ago. "It was easy to say 'Yes' to this contract," Gallinari said at today's Nuggets shootaround. "It's very nice because we've been playing very well. We have a lot of very good young guys, very unselfish players and I'm looking forward to play with this team this year and with a lot of the guys in the next few"
Bruised foot puts Nuggets' Nene on sideline
January 3
Denver Post
 
"Nuggets coach George Karl? shook his head when he announced that Nene would not be available for Monday night's game because of a bruised left foot. "I'm just sad," Karl said. "I just want him to have a great year." Nene had been solid in the first five games of the season, averaging 13.8 points and 7.2 rebounds. He has played much of his time at power forward, with Timofey Mozgov starting at center. Nene is officially listed as day to day."
Melo backs K-Mart shop
December 24
New York Post
 
"The Knicks have one roster spot still open entering tomorrow's season opener, and Carmelo Anthony hopes it eventually goes to his former Nuggets teammate Kenyon Martin, according to an NBA source. According to the source, Anthony wants Martin in New York, though he is not permitted to sign a contract until March, when his Chinese team is through with the playoffs. The rugged forward was bought out earlier this week and was expected home for the holidays. The source said Martin considers the Knicks his top choice, partly because of his friendship with Anthony. They became tight during their nearly seven seasons together in Denver. Martin could fill the role of another gritty big man off the"
Source: Former Nugget Kenyon Martin leaving China
December 22
Denver Post
 
"Kenyon Martin is coming home. The former Nuggets forward has agreed to a buyout from his Chinese team and Martin will become an unrestricted free agent, a NBA source confirmed. K-Mart had been playing for Xinjiang in China but because of the buyout can sign with any NBA team. The regular season begins on Dec. 25, but it's unclear when Martin will be back in the U.S. But another source said Martin cannot sign with an NBA team until after his Chinese team's season ends."
Source: Former Nugget Kenyon Martin leaving China
December 21
Denver Post
 
"Kenyon Martin? is coming home. The former Nuggets forward has agreed to a buyout from his Chinese team and Martin will become an unrestricted free agent, a NBA source confirmed. K-Mart had been playing for Xinjiang in China but because of the buyout can sign with any NBA team. The regular season begins on Dec. 25, but it's unclear when Martin will be back in the U.S."
Arron Afflalo agrees to five-year, $43 million extension with Nuggets
December 20
Denver Post
 
"The Nuggets got their guy. Now they got their other guy. Almost a week after they re-signed Nene, the Nuggets and Arron Afflalo agreed on terms of a new contract — for five years and as much as $43 million, an NBA source said — that will keep one of the league's budding shooting guards in Denver. Afflalo, 26, averaged 12.6 points last season while showcasing gritty defense and intensity. Nuggets coach George Karl has called Afflalo one of the favorite players he's ever coached. When the NBA lockout ended, the Nuggets' priorities were to bring back Nene and Afflalo. Both could receive the enticing fifth contractual year that other teams couldn't offer. Nene signed a five-year deal worth $67"
K-Mart heading back to NBA?
December 19
ESPN.com
 
"The Xinjiang Flying Tigers in China are giving strong consideration to releasing star forward Kenyon Martin, according to sources close to the situation. If Xinjiang goes through with the move, it would be the test case for established NBA players who signed in China during the lockout to possibly return to the NBA sooner than expected. Sources told ESPN.com that only the threat of serious sanctions from Chinese league officials for releasing a player of Martin's stature in-season, including the potential forfeiture of games, has stopped Xinjiang from making the move already."
"Amnesty" decision no option for Denver
December 17
Denver Post
 
"As the Nuggets prepare for future flexibility, they decided that the best move is no move. Denver decided to bypass using its "amnesty" provision Friday, which means it could have cut a player and not have the money go against their salary cap. (The Nuggets would still have to pay the player.) Al Harrington? ($6.2 million) was a possible candidate, but the Nuggets held on to their amnesty as a chip to use in future roster restructuring. And so, Harrington is still here. "I planned on being here," Harrington said. "If it happened, it happened." Harrington battled foot pain for much of last season, shooting 41.6 percent from the field and averaging 10.5 points a game. "I just want to play my"
Nene re-signs with Nuggets, a five-year deal worth as much as $67 million
December 13
Denver Post
 
"The Nuggets' sigh of relief cost $67 million. Denver is bringing back Nene, the free agent who looked to be out the door, a source said late Tuesday night. Nene agreed to a five-year deal for up to $67 million, bolstering the Nuggets' frontcourt for the next half-decade. Nene had considered heading to New Jersey, Houston and Indiana, but in the end, he stayed in the city he began his career, back in 2002."
Nuggets trade for Rudy Fernandez and Corey Brewer from Mavericks
December 13
Denver Post
 
"The Nuggets acquired shooting guards Rudy Fernandez and Corey Brewer from Dallas, a source said, in exchange for a future second-round pick. The Nuggets were able to make the deal because of a trade exception acquired during the big Carmelo Anthony trade. Fernandez could possibly start for Denver at shooting guard. He averaged 8.6 points per game for the Trail Blazers? last season - he was traded to Dallas in the summer. The Nuggets are still in talks with Arron Afflalo?, a restricted free agent."
Bucks match offer for Mbah a Moute
December 11
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"Defense is never optional for coach Scott Skiles and the Milwaukee Bucks. So it's no surprise the Bucks did what it took to hang on to one of their elite defensive players. According to league sources, Milwaukee matched a four-year, $18.7 million offer by the Denver Nuggets on Saturday and retained restricted free agent Luc Richard Mbah a Moute. The 6-foot-8 forward and former UCLA player is considered a valuable member of the Bucks' rotation and has started 166 games over the past three seasons. Denver made its offer Saturday morning to Mbah a Moute, who was selected 37th overall by the Bucks in the 2008 draft. The Bucks had a three-day period to match but made the decision in a matter of"
Bucks match Nuggets' offer for forward Luc Mbah a Moute
December 11
Denver Post
 
"The Nuggets made a strong move to upgrade their defense, but their attempt was blocked by the Milwaukee Bucks. A league source told The Denver Post today that the Nuggets made a solid offer to restricted free agent forward Luc Mbah a Moute. However, the Bucks will match the offer, a source said, meaning the defensive-minded Mbah a Moute will remain with Milwaukee The Nuggets' offer sheet was for four years and a little more than $19 million. Last season, Mbah a Moute (pronounced bah ah moo-tay) averaged 6.7 points and 5.3 rebounds. He's entering his fourth NBA season. Denver was pursuing him in the event it can't re-sign Nene. The 6-8 Mbah a Moute is a native of Cameroon and played at"
Billups warns teams not to claim him off waivers
December 10
Yahoo! Sports
 
"As Chauncey Billups prepares to have his name entered into the NBA's amnesty waiver wire, he has a message for teams considering putting in a bid to secure him for the rest of the season: You'll regret it. He wants the freedom of free agency to choose a contender, Billups says. As one of the game's great leaders, and gentlemen, Billups warns that player will be a distant memory should a team claim him off the amnesty waiver wire. "I' m tired of being the good guy," Billups told Yahoo! Sports by phone on Saturday afternoon. "I'm tired of being viewed as the guy. After a while, you just kind of get taken advantage of in these situations. I've been known as a leader, and I am a leader, but a"
Harrington could be a candidate to be an "amnesty" cut
December 10
Denver Post
 
"So on opening night, will Al Harrington? be the Nuggets' starting power forward? Will he even be a member of the Nuggets? Or will he return to his reserve role? The veteran power forward, who makes about $6 million a year, is a candidate for an "amnesty" cut, which means Denver can cut a player — and though it still has to pay him, he doesn't go against the cap. "My thing is, at the end of day, it's a business," Harrington said. "The lockout taught us that once again. I understand that if Nene doesn't sign back, and it's an extremely young team, it might be time for me to go. Or it may not. The feeling I get is that I'm going to be here and they look for me to be a leader to the young"
Nene, Chandler weighing options after fallouts with former teams
December 7
SI.com
 
"Nene and Tyson Chandler have more in common than being the top-tier big men in this year's NBA free agent class: They both had their feelings hurt by their former team. Chandler appears unlikely to return to Dallas, in large part because of the Mavericks' insistence on preserving their payroll for next year's free-agent crop and because of Chandler's increasing involvement in the Chris Paul saga in New Orleans. But a source with knowledge of the situation said the prospect of Nene returning to Denver remains entirely possible -- if not probable -- for the exact opposite reason. Nene, who recently expressed disappointment over the Nuggets' reluctance to offer an extension until late last"
Bird to meet with Nene
December 6
Indianapolis Star
 
"Pacers president Larry Bird is about to go after one of the top free agents on the market. Bird is scheduled to fly to Denver to meet with Nene on Tuesday, according to sources. Monday was the first day that teams could talk to free agents. The biggest question surrounding Nene is whether the Pacers, who will likely be around $21 million under the salary cap, are willing to pay top dollar to sign him."
Free-agent buzz: Players seek way out of China
December 5
Yahoo! Sports
 
"Denver Nuggets free agents J.R. Smith and Wilson Chandler are still pursuing ways to get out of their Chinese Basketball Association contracts but have yet to find a prompt avenue back to the NBA, sources told Yahoo! Sports. Smith and Chandler play for the Zhejiang Chouzhou Golden Bulls and Zhejiang Guangsha Lions, respectively, and sources said those teams could be willing to agree to steep buyouts to let the players return to the NBA. The players would have to return all the salary they've made, plus agent fees and an additional $1 million to satisfy owners – but that still won't assure them they could play in the NBA."
Al Thornton is considering signing with Nuggets
December 5
Denver Post
 
"6-foot-8 free agent forward Al Thornton is considering signing with the Nuggets, though he said he has 4-5 other teams also interested in his services. NBA gyms are open now to players from any team – for instance, Ty Lawson has been working out at the Wizards facility near his home in the D.C. area – so Thornton worked out at Pepsi Center today, as did Nuggets Andre Miller, Jordan Hamilton, Kosta Koufos and Gary Forbes. Asked if he'll sign with Denver, Thornton said, "We'll see. Hopefully. We'll see.""
Josh Howard drawing interest in free agency
December 4
Washington Post
 
"Josh Howard may have struggled with a left knee injury the past two seasons in Washington, but he has attracted considerable attention with the free agent signing period set to begin on Friday. The Wizards and "five to six" playoff contenders have expressed interest in Howard, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Another person close to Howard confirmed that Boston, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, San Antonio, Denver, New Orleans and New Jersey have all made obligatory calls, with the Wizards, Bulls and Spurs engaging in more frequent conversations."
Arron is one popular Afflalo
December 2
ESPN.com
 
"It's been a familiar refrain from a handful of front-office types during the first few days of the NBA's gradual return to offseason normalcy: Denver's Arron Afflalo is a popular choice when you ask execs to pinpoint the most attractive free agent outside of the big men. Afflalo's Denver teammate Nene, Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler, New Orleans Hornets forward David West and Memphis Grizzlies restricted free agent Marc Gasol are universally seen as the most coveted players on the open market. But Afflalo, with a blossoming offensive game to go with his more polished D, has his own growing group of admirers if you listen to the GM grapevine. Sources told ESPN.com that the Chicago"
Nuggets laying groundwork to re-sign Nene
December 1
Denver Post
 
"Masai Ujiri heard from seemingly every agent except Jerry Maguire on Wednesday, the first day NBA executives could speak with player representatives. Free-agency talks have begun, and Ujiri's first priority is re-signing a certain Brazilian big man. "We want Nene back," said Ujiri, who isn't targeting any other big-name big men in free agency. And if the Nuggets don't re-sign the Brazilian big man? "We're going to give our young big guys a chance," Ujiri said in reference to Timofey Mozgov, Kenneth Faried and Kosta Koufos?. "I was studying the free-agent class. We want to be smart here; we want to make the right decisions. Are we going to go out and do anything crazy? I don't think so."
What's the latest with Nene and Kenyon Martin?
November 30
Denver Post
 
"For the past few years, Nene and Kenyon Martin have made up the Nuggets starting front court – and there's a possibility that neither will be on the Nuggets when this season begins. Kenyon Martin's agent, Andy Miller, confirmed today that Martin will continue to play out his contract in China, a contract that did not have an out-clause. Martin is an unrestricted free agent, so he might not have been back anyway. He can return to the NBA when his China team finished the season, likely in March. Meanwhile, when free agency does begin on Dec. 9, it's arguable that Nene will be the best player available. The longtime Nuggets post opted out of the last year of his contract ($11.6 million),"
Nene wants out; six teams in hunt
November 29
CBSSports.com
 
"One of the surest bets of the soon-to-begin 2011 NBA free-agent period is that Nene wants out of Denver. Where he winds up, and how, will be among the most intriguing storylines when the floodgates open around Dec. 9. The Nuggets are operating under the firm belief that Nene will test the market as an unrestricted free agent, according to a person familiar with the team's thinking. Six teams have registered interest, the source said: Golden State, New Jersey, Indiana, Miami, Dallas and Houston. Nene, the top unrestricted free agent on the market in the view of many team executives, will have a say over where he winds up -- though not as much as free agents did under the previous system"
Nuggets guard J.R. Smith hurts knee in China
November 21
Denver Post
 
"uard J.R. Smith suffered what appeared to be a serious knee injury while playing for his Chinese team Sunday. Smith, who played the last five seasons with the Nuggets, signed to play for Zhejiang, a Chinese Basketball Association team, during the NBA lockout. Sunday's game was the CBA regular-season opener for Smith and Zhejiang."
Nuggets' Gallinari close to signing with Italian team
September 20
Denver Post
 
"Danilo Gallinari, the young Nuggets' forward, is close to signing a contract with Olimpia Milano, an Italian pro team, a source said Tuesday morning. There will be an out-clause in his contract, the source said, meaning that if the NBA lockout ends, Gallinari can leave his Italian team and return to the Nuggets."
Nuggets' J.R. Smith signs with Chinese team amid NBA lockout "uncertainty"
September 15
Denver Post
 
"As one Nuggets fan pondered Wednesday on Twitter, "How do you say 'streaky shooter' in Chinese?" Yes, J.R. Smith is taking his talents to China. The Nuggets reserve has signed a one-year contract with a Chinese team that doesn't have an opt-out clause, meaning the unrestricted free agent likely won't play in the NBA next season. Smith will play for Zhejiang Wanma?."
Nuggets' Kenyon Martin may play in China
September 11
Denver Post
 
"A third free agent who played for the Nuggets last season is in serious talks to play in China. Kenyon Martin has received significant interest from two professional teams in the Chinese Basketball Association, which would make him the highest-paid player in the history of that league, a source said Friday. The 17-team CBA will not allow players to opt out of contracts should the NBA season begin before the Chinese season ends. The NBA is currently in a labor lockout."
Nuggets' J.R. Smith considering playing in China
September 9
Denver Post
 
"Guard J.R. Smith is seriously considering signing with a Chinese professional basketball team. And although he hasn't signed a contract yet, Smith has been in touch with teams overseas, his agent Leon Rose confirmed Thursday. One of the Nuggets' better reserves during the George Karl era, Smith is an unrestricted free agent but is looking to get paid by playing in China during the NBA lockout. Yahoo Sports reported he's mulling a $3 million deal to play the 2011-12 season with Shanxi. If Smith plays in China, he would not be able to opt out of his contract and return to the states if the lockout ends."
Smith nears deal to play in China
September 8
Yahoo! Sports
 
"Denver Nuggets free-agent guard J.R. Smith is nearing an agreement on the richest contract in China Basketball Association history, sources told Yahoo! Sports. Under terms of the deal, Smith would make more than $3 million to play the 2011-12 season with Shanxi, but lose his chance at unrestricted free agency prior to the start of the NBA season. Smith, who turns 26 on Friday, has averaged 12.5 points per game in his seven-year NBA career."
NBA wants 3rd round in draft
September 7
SheridanHoops.com
 
"After an overnight flight connecting through Helsinki, Finland, I bumped into a scout for the Denver Nuggets near the tourist information booth at the quaint little airport here where the second round of EuroBasket is taking place. Whether he knows it or not, he may be here scouting future third-round draft picks. That's right: Third round. SheridanHoops.com has learned that NBA owners have proposed adding a third round to the annual draft, a proposal that the players' union has countered by offering an array of changes to the draft that would help address the owners' desire for more competitive balance."
NBA Lockout Update: Sides are closer than they're saying
September 6
SheridanHoops.com
 
"Here's the dirty little secret about the NBA lockout, despite what both sides — the owners and the players — would have you believe: They are a lot closer to a settlement than most people realize. I know this because I talk regularly with a bunch of important people who tell me important things, and I am going to explain why I believe a settlement will be reached that will not only save the season, but also enable the NBA to have an "all is forgiven" honeymoon period (similar to what the NFL just experienced following its labor settlement) in which the frenzy of free agents signings, trades, training camps and exhibition games will make everyone forget all of the doomsday talk they've been"
Nuggets free agent Wilson Chandler signs with Chinese team
August 30
Denver Post
 
"Wilson Chandler won't be on the Nuggets' roster this coming season, if there is a season. The restricted free agent signed a contract with Zhejiang Guangsha of the Chinese Basketball Association, his agent said Monday. Chandler doesn't have an out clause in the contract, so if the lockout is resolved, Chandler can't leave his team and return to the NBA, the way Lithuania-bound Nuggets guard Ty Lawson can. "Trust me, we discussed all of the risks and how being a trendsetter can be seen as a positive or a negative — most people will view it as a negative," Chandler's agent, Chris Luchey, said by phone. "But we discussed all the risks and steps." Chandler, 24, will make between $1.7 million"
Wilson Chandler to play in China
August 29
ESPN.com
 
"Wilson Chandler said he has signed a contract with the Zhejiang Guangsha of the Chinese Basketball Association, a move that would essentially preclude him from participating in the 2011-12 NBA season if the lockout ends and the games begin. The Chinese Basketball Association will not allow players with existing contracts to sign with its teams, so playing in China is only an option for free agents such as Chandler, a restricted free agent who finished the 2010-11 season with the Denver Nuggets. In addition, the CBA will not allow escape clauses that would allow players to leave the Chinese league in the event the NBA resumes operations. So Chandler would not be a part of the NBA if the"
Next bargaining session coming early September?
August 17
CBSSports.com
 
"It took 46 days for the NBA and its players' union after the lockout began July 1. It didn't go all that well. Rhetoric from both sides ramped up, lawsuits started flying around and most importantly, there wasn't any movement towards the middle. Then David Stern accused the union of cancelling a meeting last week with the union responding that Billy Hunter had been told Stern wasn't going to be available for two weeks. So as you can tell, this is all going just super. But they're finally going to try again sometime in early September, according to Newsday. At this point, the union will host an executive meeting in New York at the end of August. The anticipation is the union and league"
Nuggets' Lawson to play for Lithuanian team during NBA lockout
August 16
Denver Post
 
"So, which team will Ty Lawson play for this fall? He didn't even know how to pronounce it. The answer is a Lithuanian team called Zalgiris Kaunas. The reality of the NBA lockout is hitting home as Lawson — one of the Nuggets' top players — said Monday he agreed Sunday to play for this team, which also features former Nuggets teammate Sonny Weems. "It's the best situation for me to go out there," Lawson said by phone. "Being at home, I'm not saying I'm a lazy person, but I want to be in the gym. And plus, it's a new experience going out to Lithuania, so why not? It was a no-brainer.""
David Stern: NBA to look at contraction
August 15
CBSSports.com
 
"The NBA currently has thirty teams, but the league's commissioner, David Stern, seems open to the possibility that that number of franchises could shrink in the future. Speaking on an ESPN.com podcast, Stern stated that there is some interest in contraction from both the league and players sides and that the subject will be picked up after the current Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations are completed. "[Contraction] is not a subect that we're against," Stern said. "In fact, when you talk about revenue sharing, a number of teams have said that if you have a team that is perpetually going to be a recipient, aren't you better off with the ability to buy them in? Because between the"
Gallinari might look at Europe?
July 6
CBSSports.com
 
"Another day, another NBA player maybe, sort of, kind of thinking about playing in Europe. Danilo Gallinari told Sportando that he "couldn't rule out" at least a short run in Europe. Of course Gallinari is from Italy and spent the early part of his professional career playing in Europe. But like any other NBA player currently under contract, Gallinari can't just pack up and sign with a European club. FIBA has yet to clear anyone under contract in the NBA and would be risking his contract with the Nuggets if he were injured."
Nene not worth the extra cost
July 3
Denver Post
 columnist Dave Krieger
"When the NBA shut down hours before its annual free-agent flea market was set to open, it turned Nuggets center Nene into the first test case of its new world order. Word circulated quickly within the association's agent community that the Brazilian big man had opted for free agency rather than accept a Nuggets offer of $50 million over four years. The Nuggets, of course, had no comment. In fact, the Nuggets would neither confirm nor deny that Monday is the Fourth of July, so seriously are they taking commissioner David Stern's prohibition on public commentary during the lockout. Like the league, the club has removed all references to active players from its website. Nuggets.com is now all"
Nene to opt out of contract, become an unrestricted free agent
June 30
Denver Post
 
"Now the real work begins for the Nuggets in trying to retain their starting center. Nene will opt out of the final year of his contract worth nearly $12 million and, as a result, become an unrestricted free agent, a source familiar with the situation said Wednesday night. It means Nene can sign with any team he wishes without the Nuggets getting a chance to match the offer when free agency begins after the expected NBA lockout, which likely will start Friday. Nene had until today to make a final decision. The Nuggets tried to sign him to a contract extension before today, the last day of the NBA's collective bargaining agreement, but to no avail. Instead, Nene figures to have many suitors"
It only gets harder for owners, players; owners expected to push for $45 million hard cap
June 30
San Antonio Express-News
 columnist Mike Monroe
"The NBA's Board of Governors met Tuesday in Dallas and heard a report on collective bargaining from Spurs owner Peter Holt, chairman of its labor relations committee. The league wouldn't reveal if the board officially authorized locking out the players once the clock strikes midnight Thursday, the end of the collective bargaining agreement that's been in place since 2005, but it doesn't matter. As commissioner David Stern has warned already, such a vote is a mere formality and can be conducted by any means at any time. The first lockout authorization via text message may be mere hours away. Holt's committee will meet with the negotiating committee of the National Basketball Player's"
Nene and Nuggets need each other
June 28
Denver Post
 columnist Mark Kiszla
"The Nuggets and Nene are playing a dangerous game of chicken that needs to end before both parties get hurt. Nene would be dumb to walk out those arena doors as a free agent. The Nuggets would be stupid to let him go. So why let a little thing like $50 million stand in the way of a beautiful relationship? Do the deal already. The last great act of labor peace in the NBA before all heck breaks loose between players and owners should be Nene signing a contract extension with the Nuggets before the clock strikes midnight at the end of Thursday. When I asked Nuggets general manager Masai Ujiri how the nature of negotiations would change should the team be unable to reach an agreement with Nene"