From hoopsworld:
The Denver Nuggets remain engaged in trade negotiations with the Sacramento Kings. As of Wednesday morning, the Nuggets had been reluctant to part with Linas Kleiza. However, according to a league source, the Nuggets are now "strongly considering" giving up Kleiza in a deal for Artest.
The source indicated that the San Antonio Spurs have now entered the bidding offering a package of Francisco Elson, Brent Barry and multiple draft picks. The Spurs late interest may have encouraged Denver to consider upping the ante in their pursuit of Artest.
Despite Denver's ongoing interest in Artest, Memphis' Mike Miller has been Denver's number one target from the start. However, one source stated that Miller has "been pulled off the table." The Nuggets made an effort to get him, but it appears they are going to come up short in their pursuit.
If Miller is indeed off the table as league sources have indicated, Artest is the last big name in play for the Nuggets. The argument being made by members of Denver's front office is that Artest is a great player, and if the Nuggets can get a great player by giving up complementary pieces, it's a move they have to get done if they can. It's not that people in Denver don't think highly of Kleiza, but at the end of the day he's currently a backup small forward. The thinking is that if Denver has to give up a couple of reserves and a draft pick to get a player of Artest's caliber, it's a deal they have to get done if they can.
As of this moment, no deal is imminent. And in addition to the Spurs, the Houston Rockets are also believed to be looking into the possibility of acquiring Artest. However, the Nuggets appear to be putting on one last full-court press in an effort to win the Artest sweepstakes.
Stay tuned to HOOPSWORLD for the latest.