Denver Nuggets' Nene to opt out of contract, become an unrestricted free ag

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.

 ‘Melo still eyes change for the better


Not long after George Karl made his triumphant return with a resounding victory over the Utah Jazz, the Denver Nuggets coach had an important announcement for the assembled media. Despite Carmelo Anthony’s(notes) well-chronicled efforts to push for a trade, Karl said, the Nuggets are ”going to keep him here whether he knows it or not.”

Anthony later laughed off his coach’s attempt at humor because that’s all it was – a joke. For all the goodwill inspired by the Nuggets’ season-opening rout of their Northwest Division rival, Anthony told Yahoo! Sports Wednesday night that he still doesn’t intend to sign the team’s three-year, $64 million contract extension.

 Kiszla: Nuggets don't want to get LeBron'd by Carmelo Anthony

While deciding where he wants to spend the rest of his basketball life, Carmelo Anthony will do what's right by his family.

But believe this: Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke will do what is best for his hefty investment in an NBA franchise, even if that means trading Melo.

 Nuggets Waive Coby Karl, Brian Butch
The Nuggets have requested waivers on guard Coby Karl and center Brian Butch, a source said Saturday.

Both had contracts due to become fully guaranteed for next season had they remained with the team following Aug. 15. The source said the moves were made Friday, the last business day before Sunday's deadline, although the Nuggets made no announcement. Calls to Nuggets officials were not immediately returned.

 Nuggets can't win title this way


Maybe we should throw confetti or hold a parade. In a 116-102 victory against Utah on Wednesday, the Nuggets tried something completely different: They gave a professional effort.

So let them eat Twinkies.

But please understand: Denver absolutely, positively cannot win a championship this way.

And team management knows it.

 Under difficult cir*****stances, Adrian Dantley takes charge of the Denver Nugge


Adrian Dantley has the single most difficult job in this NBA postseason and he knows it. His players know it, as does everybody who plays against his Denver Nuggets. All Dantley is being asked to do is lead a team of headstrong characters with championship aspirations deep into the playoffs while the man best suited to coach them, his boss George Karl, battles throat and neck cancer.

 For Now, Nuggets Are Dantley's Team


Chris Tomasson

This is Adrian Dantley's team now.

 Martin In Dark About Possible Knee Tear


Chris Tomasson

If a report is accurate that Denver Nuggets power forward Kenyon Martin has a partial tear of his left patella tendon, he said he hasn't been given that information about his knee.

Regardless, the Nuggets, who had previously been looking for a big man, will spend this weekend discussing what they might do. Agent Mark Bartelstein told FanHouse the Nuggets have inquired about five of his free-agent big men: Mark Blount, Mikki Moore, Brian Cook, Jake Voskuhl and Rob Kurz.

 Nuggets not trading J.R. Smith


By Mark J. Miller

“J.R.J.R. Smith  has been with the Denver Nuggets since the summer of 2006 when he got traded to the team from the Chicago Bulls, who he was with for only a few days after coming over in a trade with his original team, the New Orleans Hornets. It's looking right now like he'll remain a Nugget despite all his recent unhappiness., according to ESPN.

 Karl, Nuggets appear to be closer on a contract extension


After negotiations Thursday, it appears the Nuggets are closer to reaching an agreement with coach George Karl about a contract extension, though a deal is not yet official.

Bret Adams, an attorney representing the Nuggets' coach, met with officials from Kroenke Sports Enterprises and afterward said: "It's a complicated discussion and process because of the potential lockout (after 2010-11). It's a different economic environment. All of that has added a complexity to contract negotiations that simply hasn't been there before.

 Nuggets looking for a big man

 Without a new contract, Karl faces free agency

 Linas Kleiza considers a one year deal

 John Lucas to the Nuggets next Season

 Nuggets Looking at some big names?