Nene told Denver Post reporter Chris Dempsey earlier this month that he might well opt out of his contract and that the Nuggets "don't realize all of the sacrifices I made. When you don't feel appreciated, it's hard."

Karl seemed optimistic that the Nuggets could persuade Nene to stay. The Brazilian is due to make $12 million next season but could sign a three-year extension with Denver, the team he's played for his entire career.

"I have no problem with Nene expressing his opinions on his position. I think me and the organization very much want him here," Karl said. "I think with the situation of this year, maybe he felt like he needed more contact (about the contract). (But) from what I know with my relationship with Nene and his love for Denver, I just think things are going to get worked out, I really do.

"I know (executives) Masai (Ujiri) and Josh (Kroenke) have kind of talked to him, and I'm going to follow up on that — I'm sure it will be in the next couple of weeks."