OFFICIAL trade thread. Post trade proposals HERE! (merged)
- Thread starter CaminoChaos
- Start date
Diaw would be nice. From what I understand he played on the two-time Euroleague champs along with Pietrus. Would definitely be a nice backup 3 as a change of pace guy. Dangit, I am starting to get excited about the kind of moves we could make, and the type of team we could field, even if this "core" is more than a smokescreen by the front office.
OK, I have read somewhere that Portland might cut Theo Ratliff to avoid paying luxury tax. If they do cut him would we be interested for a reasonable price??????
He is tall, decent rebounder and one of the best shot blockers in the league. Granted he is a bit on the old side but if we could sign him for part of the MLE then he could be a decent pick up.
thoughts??????
He is tall, decent rebounder and one of the best shot blockers in the league. Granted he is a bit on the old side but if we could sign him for part of the MLE then he could be a decent pick up.
thoughts??????
I'm game.
Ratliff is old, injury prone, a bad rebounder, bad offensive player -- about all he does is block shots -- this past season it was 4.8pts 5.3rebs 2.5blks in 27.5min. He's also only played on one good team in his entire career, so clearly his impact is not all that (probably because of everything you give up with him to get that shotblocking). And not surprisingly I would be quite concerned over whether Rick would feel comfortable using him or not.
All of that said, our need is so dire that if we insist on standing pat with our major players, about the only way we can get enough defense in town to do anything is to go for big time specialists like Ratliff. Much rather have a younger player like a Gadzuric or Chandler, but of course their teams know their value and are unlikely to give them up. So if Theo is out there, we mgiht be hard pressed to find anybody better without giving up part of the core (although I certainly hope we are able to).
One note though --I'm still not 100% sure how it works, but in the Finley articles there has been mention of a team needing to spend its midlevel exception to sign one of these released players. Not sure if that means the whole exception, or for how long, but if it does, then getting Theo would still cost us quite a bit of money and limit our ability to get anybody else.
Ratliff is old, injury prone, a bad rebounder, bad offensive player -- about all he does is block shots -- this past season it was 4.8pts 5.3rebs 2.5blks in 27.5min. He's also only played on one good team in his entire career, so clearly his impact is not all that (probably because of everything you give up with him to get that shotblocking). And not surprisingly I would be quite concerned over whether Rick would feel comfortable using him or not.
All of that said, our need is so dire that if we insist on standing pat with our major players, about the only way we can get enough defense in town to do anything is to go for big time specialists like Ratliff. Much rather have a younger player like a Gadzuric or Chandler, but of course their teams know their value and are unlikely to give them up. So if Theo is out there, we mgiht be hard pressed to find anybody better without giving up part of the core (although I certainly hope we are able to).
One note though --I'm still not 100% sure how it works, but in the Finley articles there has been mention of a team needing to spend its midlevel exception to sign one of these released players. Not sure if that means the whole exception, or for how long, but if it does, then getting Theo would still cost us quite a bit of money and limit our ability to get anybody else.
Are you sure?
This information is sort of confusing. It may be that with Finley teams may actually want him and as a result he could command the mid-level. There has also been mention of details not worked out as far as pro-rating the salary with the team that has released the player.
That's what lawyers are about, isn't that correct Brick?
This information is sort of confusing. It may be that with Finley teams may actually want him and as a result he could command the mid-level. There has also been mention of details not worked out as far as pro-rating the salary with the team that has released the player.
That's what lawyers are about, isn't that correct Brick?
I think Finley, as well as other players that will be cut like Jalen Rose, will command that sort of money. The are not required to pay that, as Allan Houston is said to be going for the vet's minimum due to his unknown injury status (Detroit is said to be high on his list). I've also read that the Lakers might cut Brian Grant (though the Kings don't need another undersized PF, just throwing some info out there). If we could get Ratliff for say, 3 mil, I'd be down. He might not be a great offensive threat, but he'd be the athletic shot-blocker we need (when healthy).
Another name out there that I didn't see mentioned in the last few posts.. Chris Andersen from NO Hornets. He's an athletic big guy that can dunk and block. Not sure about the rest of his game as I haven't really seen much of him.
Another name out there that I didn't see mentioned in the last few posts.. Chris Andersen from NO Hornets. He's an athletic big guy that can dunk and block. Not sure about the rest of his game as I haven't really seen much of him.
Not so sure about that. If Redd leaves they are going to have to sign a SG. Or, if Redd stays they are going to have to open up their wallets to keep him. Also, they have some other holes on that roster. "IF" Calvin Booth is healthy and making 6+million with the addition of Bogut I'm not sure how much the Bucks will spend to keep Gadzuric.
A Gerald Wallace type player- very gifted athletically, but no offense and mediocre defense. I’ve heard the comparisons to Krilenko, but he's not as polished. He had a really bad camp in Chicago. He probably can give you a little of this and a little of that if he gets minutes, but he isn’t efficient enough to unseat an experienced player.
Since the draft, he’s accepted an invitation by Phoenix to attend their summer league.
Since the draft, he’s accepted an invitation by Phoenix to attend their summer league.
Mobley sign and trade could well be a possibility for us. Nene would be a nice addition
http://http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nuggets/article/0,1299,DRMN_20_3899669,00.html
Nuggets give it a shot
Free agency begins; Denver looks for bargains in market
By Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News
July 2, 2005
Suddenly, the Denver Nuggets have a lot less summer clout. After two summers of having plenty of money to spend, the Nuggets are armed only with the midlevel exception of about $5 million and a $1.7 million exception. But they still gave it their best on the first day of the free-agent negotiating period.
The Nuggets spent the day touching base with agents. Their primary motivation is to find a shooting guard. The Nuggets would need to get very creative to make a strong run at top free-agent shooting guards Michael Redd of Milwaukee, Ray Allen of Seattle, Joe Johnson of Phoenix and Larry Hughes of Washington. It's even a challenge with the next tier.
"I think Bobby is going to use cap room," said Mark Bartelstein, agent for Los Angeles Clippers swingman Bobby Simmons, indicating the Nuggets currently don't have enough money for his client. "But you never know. There are sign-and-trades and things that change. We're going to talk to them."
Denver also made contact Friday with Cuttino Mobley's agent, Andy Miller. Mobley, who Thursday opted out of a Sacramento contract worth $6.4 million next season, isn't about to quickly sign a deal for less, so the Nuggets likely would need to come up with a sign-and-trade deal.
"I don't know how much interest (the Nuggets) have," Miller said. "But we have a lot of interest."
The Nuggets, who can sign players July 22, were said also to have contacted agents for the top-tier shooting guards. Redd appears to intrigue them the most.
Nuggets coach George Karl knows Redd well from having once coached him in Milwaukee. But lack of money obviously is a huge drawback, with ESPN.com reporting Redd has been offered maximum deals by the Bucks and Cleveland, the first year worth about $12 million.
Denver's only chance would be a sign and trade. Any such a deal might have to include Nene, due $3 million next season, as well as another $9 million of contracts.
Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe said he was tied up talking with agents Friday and could not comment on free agency. Nuggets assistant general manager David Fredman said Karl also was active speaking to agents.
"We're not eliminating anything, being a non-cap (room) team," said Fredman, who declined to discuss specific players.
"We have the reputation for being creative. There are sign and trades. There's a whole gamut of possibilities."
One is patience. A rule in the new collective bargaining agreement apparently will give teams a one-time opportunity until Oct. 1 to waive a player and not pay luxury tax on him.
Michael Finley of Dallas and Allan Houston of New York are possible casualties. But they may not become available until just prior to training camp.
The Nuggets also could adhere to the status quo at shooting guard. They want to re-sign free-agent Greg Buckner, whose agent Steve Kauffman wants a "big portion" of the midlevel exception. And Karl has said he wants to retain Voshon Lenard, whose $3.27 million contract can be bought out by July 14 for $250,000.
While many candidates appear too pricey, one agent advertised a shooting guard "within (Denver's) salary range." Calvin Andrews said Charlotte's Kareem Rush, a former Missouri star, "fits the bill" for the Nuggets.
"He has a great relationship with (Denver owner Stan Kroenke)," said Andrews, who had yet to hear by early Friday night from the Nuggets. "He and Josh (Kroenke, the owner's son) were roommates at college. They're pretty close."
The Nuggets sought to acquire Rush from the Los Angeles Lakers last December. But he was traded to Charlotte, where he averaged 11.5 points in 34 games. ETC: Andrews, who also represents Carmelo Anthony, said Anthony will work out with the Nuggets in Las Vegas, where they will be Tuesday through July 15 for the summer league . . . Andrews said Anthony is likely to conduct a few clinics in Puerto Rico in August . . . Denver's Eduardo Najera expects Buckner, DerMarr Johnson and Bryon Russell to play in his charity game July 9 in his native Mexico.
http://http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nuggets/article/0,1299,DRMN_20_3899669,00.html
Nuggets give it a shot
Free agency begins; Denver looks for bargains in market
By Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News
July 2, 2005
Suddenly, the Denver Nuggets have a lot less summer clout. After two summers of having plenty of money to spend, the Nuggets are armed only with the midlevel exception of about $5 million and a $1.7 million exception. But they still gave it their best on the first day of the free-agent negotiating period.
The Nuggets spent the day touching base with agents. Their primary motivation is to find a shooting guard. The Nuggets would need to get very creative to make a strong run at top free-agent shooting guards Michael Redd of Milwaukee, Ray Allen of Seattle, Joe Johnson of Phoenix and Larry Hughes of Washington. It's even a challenge with the next tier.
"I think Bobby is going to use cap room," said Mark Bartelstein, agent for Los Angeles Clippers swingman Bobby Simmons, indicating the Nuggets currently don't have enough money for his client. "But you never know. There are sign-and-trades and things that change. We're going to talk to them."
Denver also made contact Friday with Cuttino Mobley's agent, Andy Miller. Mobley, who Thursday opted out of a Sacramento contract worth $6.4 million next season, isn't about to quickly sign a deal for less, so the Nuggets likely would need to come up with a sign-and-trade deal.
"I don't know how much interest (the Nuggets) have," Miller said. "But we have a lot of interest."
The Nuggets, who can sign players July 22, were said also to have contacted agents for the top-tier shooting guards. Redd appears to intrigue them the most.
Nuggets coach George Karl knows Redd well from having once coached him in Milwaukee. But lack of money obviously is a huge drawback, with ESPN.com reporting Redd has been offered maximum deals by the Bucks and Cleveland, the first year worth about $12 million.
Denver's only chance would be a sign and trade. Any such a deal might have to include Nene, due $3 million next season, as well as another $9 million of contracts.
Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe said he was tied up talking with agents Friday and could not comment on free agency. Nuggets assistant general manager David Fredman said Karl also was active speaking to agents.
"We're not eliminating anything, being a non-cap (room) team," said Fredman, who declined to discuss specific players.
"We have the reputation for being creative. There are sign and trades. There's a whole gamut of possibilities."
One is patience. A rule in the new collective bargaining agreement apparently will give teams a one-time opportunity until Oct. 1 to waive a player and not pay luxury tax on him.
Michael Finley of Dallas and Allan Houston of New York are possible casualties. But they may not become available until just prior to training camp.
The Nuggets also could adhere to the status quo at shooting guard. They want to re-sign free-agent Greg Buckner, whose agent Steve Kauffman wants a "big portion" of the midlevel exception. And Karl has said he wants to retain Voshon Lenard, whose $3.27 million contract can be bought out by July 14 for $250,000.
While many candidates appear too pricey, one agent advertised a shooting guard "within (Denver's) salary range." Calvin Andrews said Charlotte's Kareem Rush, a former Missouri star, "fits the bill" for the Nuggets.
"He has a great relationship with (Denver owner Stan Kroenke)," said Andrews, who had yet to hear by early Friday night from the Nuggets. "He and Josh (Kroenke, the owner's son) were roommates at college. They're pretty close."
The Nuggets sought to acquire Rush from the Los Angeles Lakers last December. But he was traded to Charlotte, where he averaged 11.5 points in 34 games. ETC: Andrews, who also represents Carmelo Anthony, said Anthony will work out with the Nuggets in Las Vegas, where they will be Tuesday through July 15 for the summer league . . . Andrews said Anthony is likely to conduct a few clinics in Puerto Rico in August . . . Denver's Eduardo Najera expects Buckner, DerMarr Johnson and Bryon Russell to play in his charity game July 9 in his native Mexico.
What about this?:
- CWilliamson for Nesterovic. Then, trade Nesterovic to Seattle for nothing.
-Boston: Joe Smith, Bobby Jackson, Ostertag, 1 round for P Pierce
Milwaukee: P Pierce, Kenny Thomas for J Smith and 2 1 rounds (posible if
they don't keep redd)
Sacramento: B Jackson, K Thomas, G Ostertag for 1 round (or for nothing if necessary)
- Kevin Martin and a 2 round for Danny Granger
Starting lineup:
M Bibby
M Evans
P Stojakovic
B Skinner
B Miller
Bench
J McInnis (or another good pg)
F Garcia
D Granger
D Songaila
R Petkovas (or another good c)
- CWilliamson for Nesterovic. Then, trade Nesterovic to Seattle for nothing.
-Boston: Joe Smith, Bobby Jackson, Ostertag, 1 round for P Pierce
Milwaukee: P Pierce, Kenny Thomas for J Smith and 2 1 rounds (posible if
they don't keep redd)
Sacramento: B Jackson, K Thomas, G Ostertag for 1 round (or for nothing if necessary)
- Kevin Martin and a 2 round for Danny Granger
Starting lineup:
M Bibby
M Evans
P Stojakovic
B Skinner
B Miller
Bench
J McInnis (or another good pg)
F Garcia
D Granger
D Songaila
R Petkovas (or another good c)
Here's an idea I've been tossing around in my head. I can't check it on realgm due to one player being a FA.
Kings Trade:
Mike Bibby
Kenny Thomas
Bulls trade:
Kirk Hinrich
Antonio Davis
Re-signed Tyson Chandler
Why the Bulls do it:
They want to rid themselves of Antonio Davis massive contract so they can get better now. There are several players in FA that would help them. Hughes, Redd, Allen, Swift, Mobley are all possibilities and if they had some cap space they could make one of those moves. They also improve with Mike Bibby at PG. Kenny Thomas isnt the big man they want for the future, but for now, they have an outside presence on the front line and decent rebounder considering his size. Taking on Thomas contract is a fair trade for getting Bibby and dumping Antonio Davis
Why the Kings do it:
Everyone knows the Kings need Tyson Chandler. He can play in the post, rebound and is a tough defender. He would be the inside presence the Kings sorely need. Kirk Hinrich, to me, is not that far off from Mike Bibby. He is a young solid passer and shooter, and controls the offense laden with young guys well. He is also known for being a big game performer. If it wasn't for a run in with Carmelo Anthony's Syracuse team Hinrich would have a national title to his credit. Taking on Antonio Davis contract hurts, but it expires next year, conveniently the same time that Peja Stojakovic becomes a free agent. Thomas has a big contract that lasts through 2047 and taking on Davis for a year is worth it.
Kings Trade:
Mike Bibby
Kenny Thomas
Bulls trade:
Kirk Hinrich
Antonio Davis
Re-signed Tyson Chandler
Why the Bulls do it:
They want to rid themselves of Antonio Davis massive contract so they can get better now. There are several players in FA that would help them. Hughes, Redd, Allen, Swift, Mobley are all possibilities and if they had some cap space they could make one of those moves. They also improve with Mike Bibby at PG. Kenny Thomas isnt the big man they want for the future, but for now, they have an outside presence on the front line and decent rebounder considering his size. Taking on Thomas contract is a fair trade for getting Bibby and dumping Antonio Davis
Why the Kings do it:
Everyone knows the Kings need Tyson Chandler. He can play in the post, rebound and is a tough defender. He would be the inside presence the Kings sorely need. Kirk Hinrich, to me, is not that far off from Mike Bibby. He is a young solid passer and shooter, and controls the offense laden with young guys well. He is also known for being a big game performer. If it wasn't for a run in with Carmelo Anthony's Syracuse team Hinrich would have a national title to his credit. Taking on Antonio Davis contract hurts, but it expires next year, conveniently the same time that Peja Stojakovic becomes a free agent. Thomas has a big contract that lasts through 2047 and taking on Davis for a year is worth it.
Here's a thought: I like Nene, I would probably take him over my favorite Eddie Griffin but I found one real knock against him: he plays 24 min. and he gets 3 fouls per game. If he plays usual starter's 36 min. he could average 4.5 fpg, maybe even more as our perimeter guys are clearly worse defending penetration. Starter in constant foul trouble? I know Karl wants him to play hard on D, but so will we.
sacramento keeps,
bibby, jackson, miller, skinner, peja, fransisco, martin, mo evans
sacramento trades everyone else in exchange for anyone else. im not really big on names or stats, but i'll put it this way. i would rather our starting lineup look like this for next year
pg: mike
sg: fransisco
sf: peja
pf: someone a little taller and stronger than kenny thomas
c: brad miller
my worry is that bibby already has a huge contract and PEJA just got offered the max. hopefully we can steal a strong inside player in exchange for the garbage we have. **cough cough**
bibby, jackson, miller, skinner, peja, fransisco, martin, mo evans
sacramento trades everyone else in exchange for anyone else. im not really big on names or stats, but i'll put it this way. i would rather our starting lineup look like this for next year
pg: mike
sg: fransisco
sf: peja
pf: someone a little taller and stronger than kenny thomas
c: brad miller
my worry is that bibby already has a huge contract and PEJA just got offered the max. hopefully we can steal a strong inside player in exchange for the garbage we have. **cough cough**
I cant see the bulls doing this. The front court would take a hit, and theyd end up like us with bunch of midgets. Especially if all the talk about Curry is true. Then again maybe if we threw in tag theyd do it.
Personally id' like to trade Peja and Thomas for Chandler and Nocioni. theyd get shooting and wed get interior toughness and scoring, and then hope that either Garcia or Martin pan out this year.
Personally id' like to trade Peja and Thomas for Chandler and Nocioni. theyd get shooting and wed get interior toughness and scoring, and then hope that either Garcia or Martin pan out this year.
This could be a very interesting situation for Denver. Cuttino is exactly the player they need. They won't get Redd or Allen so I can see it being a definate possibility! I could see Nene in a Kings uniform next season.
If not I would take Najera and some other sort of filler. The guy is a defensive hustle player. I'd love to have him.
The only knock on Nene I have is that the guy is a weak rebounder and not much of a shot blocker. His numbers are underwhelming at best. However I like how he played against Duncan in the playoffs this last year, he gave a lot of effort.
If not I would take Najera and some other sort of filler. The guy is a defensive hustle player. I'd love to have him.
The only knock on Nene I have is that the guy is a weak rebounder and not much of a shot blocker. His numbers are underwhelming at best. However I like how he played against Duncan in the playoffs this last year, he gave a lot of effort.
Last edited:
Čarolija said:
Mobley sign and trade could well be a possibility for us. Nene would be a nice addition
http://http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nuggets/article/0,1299,DRMN_20_3899669,00.html
Nuggets give it a shot
Free agency begins; Denver looks for bargains in market
By Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News
July 2, 2005
Suddenly, the Denver Nuggets have a lot less summer clout. After two summers of having plenty of money to spend, the Nuggets are armed only with the midlevel exception of about $5 million and a $1.7 million exception. But they still gave it their best on the first day of the free-agent negotiating period.
The Nuggets spent the day touching base with agents. Their primary motivation is to find a shooting guard. The Nuggets would need to get very creative to make a strong run at top free-agent shooting guards Michael Redd of Milwaukee, Ray Allen of Seattle, Joe Johnson of Phoenix and Larry Hughes of Washington. It's even a challenge with the next tier.
"I think Bobby is going to use cap room," said Mark Bartelstein, agent for Los Angeles Clippers swingman Bobby Simmons, indicating the Nuggets currently don't have enough money for his client. "But you never know. There are sign-and-trades and things that change. We're going to talk to them."
Denver also made contact Friday with Cuttino Mobley's agent, Andy Miller. Mobley, who Thursday opted out of a Sacramento contract worth $6.4 million next season, isn't about to quickly sign a deal for less, so the Nuggets likely would need to come up with a sign-and-trade deal.
"I don't know how much interest (the Nuggets) have," Miller said. "But we have a lot of interest."
The Nuggets, who can sign players July 22, were said also to have contacted agents for the top-tier shooting guards. Redd appears to intrigue them the most.
Nuggets coach George Karl knows Redd well from having once coached him in Milwaukee. But lack of money obviously is a huge drawback, with ESPN.com reporting Redd has been offered maximum deals by the Bucks and Cleveland, the first year worth about $12 million.
Denver's only chance would be a sign and trade. Any such a deal might have to include Nene, due $3 million next season, as well as another $9 million of contracts.
Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe said he was tied up talking with agents Friday and could not comment on free agency. Nuggets assistant general manager David Fredman said Karl also was active speaking to agents.
"We're not eliminating anything, being a non-cap (room) team," said Fredman, who declined to discuss specific players.
"We have the reputation for being creative. There are sign and trades. There's a whole gamut of possibilities."
One is patience. A rule in the new collective bargaining agreement apparently will give teams a one-time opportunity until Oct. 1 to waive a player and not pay luxury tax on him.
Michael Finley of Dallas and Allan Houston of New York are possible casualties. But they may not become available until just prior to training camp.
The Nuggets also could adhere to the status quo at shooting guard. They want to re-sign free-agent Greg Buckner, whose agent Steve Kauffman wants a "big portion" of the midlevel exception. And Karl has said he wants to retain Voshon Lenard, whose $3.27 million contract can be bought out by July 14 for $250,000.
While many candidates appear too pricey, one agent advertised a shooting guard "within (Denver's) salary range." Calvin Andrews said Charlotte's Kareem Rush, a former Missouri star, "fits the bill" for the Nuggets.
"He has a great relationship with (Denver owner Stan Kroenke)," said Andrews, who had yet to hear by early Friday night from the Nuggets. "He and Josh (Kroenke, the owner's son) were roommates at college. They're pretty close."
The Nuggets sought to acquire Rush from the Los Angeles Lakers last December. But he was traded to Charlotte, where he averaged 11.5 points in 34 games. ETC: Andrews, who also represents Carmelo Anthony, said Anthony will work out with the Nuggets in Las Vegas, where they will be Tuesday through July 15 for the summer league . . . Andrews said Anthony is likely to conduct a few clinics in Puerto Rico in August . . . Denver's Eduardo Najera expects Buckner, DerMarr Johnson and Bryon Russell to play in his charity game July 9 in his native Mexico.
http://http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nuggets/article/0,1299,DRMN_20_3899669,00.html
Nuggets give it a shot
Free agency begins; Denver looks for bargains in market
By Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News
July 2, 2005
Suddenly, the Denver Nuggets have a lot less summer clout. After two summers of having plenty of money to spend, the Nuggets are armed only with the midlevel exception of about $5 million and a $1.7 million exception. But they still gave it their best on the first day of the free-agent negotiating period.
The Nuggets spent the day touching base with agents. Their primary motivation is to find a shooting guard. The Nuggets would need to get very creative to make a strong run at top free-agent shooting guards Michael Redd of Milwaukee, Ray Allen of Seattle, Joe Johnson of Phoenix and Larry Hughes of Washington. It's even a challenge with the next tier.
"I think Bobby is going to use cap room," said Mark Bartelstein, agent for Los Angeles Clippers swingman Bobby Simmons, indicating the Nuggets currently don't have enough money for his client. "But you never know. There are sign-and-trades and things that change. We're going to talk to them."
Denver also made contact Friday with Cuttino Mobley's agent, Andy Miller. Mobley, who Thursday opted out of a Sacramento contract worth $6.4 million next season, isn't about to quickly sign a deal for less, so the Nuggets likely would need to come up with a sign-and-trade deal.
"I don't know how much interest (the Nuggets) have," Miller said. "But we have a lot of interest."
The Nuggets, who can sign players July 22, were said also to have contacted agents for the top-tier shooting guards. Redd appears to intrigue them the most.
Nuggets coach George Karl knows Redd well from having once coached him in Milwaukee. But lack of money obviously is a huge drawback, with ESPN.com reporting Redd has been offered maximum deals by the Bucks and Cleveland, the first year worth about $12 million.
Denver's only chance would be a sign and trade. Any such a deal might have to include Nene, due $3 million next season, as well as another $9 million of contracts.
Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe said he was tied up talking with agents Friday and could not comment on free agency. Nuggets assistant general manager David Fredman said Karl also was active speaking to agents.
"We're not eliminating anything, being a non-cap (room) team," said Fredman, who declined to discuss specific players.
"We have the reputation for being creative. There are sign and trades. There's a whole gamut of possibilities."
One is patience. A rule in the new collective bargaining agreement apparently will give teams a one-time opportunity until Oct. 1 to waive a player and not pay luxury tax on him.
Michael Finley of Dallas and Allan Houston of New York are possible casualties. But they may not become available until just prior to training camp.
The Nuggets also could adhere to the status quo at shooting guard. They want to re-sign free-agent Greg Buckner, whose agent Steve Kauffman wants a "big portion" of the midlevel exception. And Karl has said he wants to retain Voshon Lenard, whose $3.27 million contract can be bought out by July 14 for $250,000.
While many candidates appear too pricey, one agent advertised a shooting guard "within (Denver's) salary range." Calvin Andrews said Charlotte's Kareem Rush, a former Missouri star, "fits the bill" for the Nuggets.
"He has a great relationship with (Denver owner Stan Kroenke)," said Andrews, who had yet to hear by early Friday night from the Nuggets. "He and Josh (Kroenke, the owner's son) were roommates at college. They're pretty close."
The Nuggets sought to acquire Rush from the Los Angeles Lakers last December. But he was traded to Charlotte, where he averaged 11.5 points in 34 games. ETC: Andrews, who also represents Carmelo Anthony, said Anthony will work out with the Nuggets in Las Vegas, where they will be Tuesday through July 15 for the summer league . . . Andrews said Anthony is likely to conduct a few clinics in Puerto Rico in August . . . Denver's Eduardo Najera expects Buckner, DerMarr Johnson and Bryon Russell to play in his charity game July 9 in his native Mexico.
