March 2004 Denver Nuggets Wiretap

'Melo Misses Chance at Kiss

Jun 30, 2004 2:23 PM

Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony asked actress Gabrielle Union if she would give him a kiss if he made a jumper Tuesday at the BET Awards in Los Angelas. After Union agreed, 'Melo missed the shot at a makeshift basket put on the awards stage.

After Anthony missed, Union responded by saying: "He's a rookie. What are you going to say?"

Anthony and Union presented the award for best actor to Denzel Washington.

Denver Post

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Camby May Test Free Agency, But Not New York

Jun 29, 2004 4:06 AM

Although he keeps talking to the Nuggets, Marcus Camby's agent Rick Kaplan said Camby has not ruled out visiting other teams.

"It's still to be determined," Kaplan said Monday. "It depends on what the Nuggets have to say. We'll obviously talk to the Nuggets first, hear what they have to say and go from there."

Does that mean a return to New York where he still has a home in New York? A few weeks ago knicks.realgm.com shot down the rumor and Kaplan pretty much agrees.

"I would say it's probably unlikely because they only have the midlevel exception."

So how much is Camby really looking at?

"All I've said all along is I want pay commensurate with upper-echelon starting big men in the league," Kaplan said.

Denver Post

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Kiki Says Coach Is Safe

Jun 28, 2004 4:34 AM

The Daily News reported Sunday coach Bzdelik would be fired by the end of the week.

"That's news to me," Nuggets GM Kiki Vandeweghe said.

As for Mike Brown, the would be successor, "I don't know anything," he said. "You know around the league there has been some talk about (Bzdelik's) security. But I haven't heard anything nor have I been in contact (with the Nuggets)."

"There's always rumors floating around," Vandeweghe said. "But I've pretty much made my statement. I don't know why there's any controversy."

Rocky Mountain News

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Doleac Could Return to Knicks

Jun 28, 2004 3:31 AM

Downplaying the Knicks' chances to acquire the NBA's two top free-agents - Kobe Bryant and Rasheed Wallace, Isiah Thomas is instead saying that the Knicks need to plug holes and will look at the mid-tier players who are available.

Some of these helpful "pieces" could include combo guard Jamal Crawford or former Knick and big-man shooter, Michael Doleac.

Doleac could possibly be had with the smaller $1.5 million exception and could give the Knicks someone to free up room on the offensive end by hitting the open shot.  He worked well with Marbury when the two played together briefly.

Teams can make contact with free-agents starting Thursday.

New York Post

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Kittles is First Option, Kidd Next, in Struggle to Keep Martin

Jun 28, 2004 3:24 AM

If they cannot move Kerry Kittles and his sizable contract, the Nets could very well lose Kenyon Martin.

Several team sources told the New York Post that the chances of Jason Kidd, Kenyon Martin and Richard Jefferson returning are not good without clearing some cash.  Meaning ... 'Kerry, step into my office.'

Saying he does not know the chances of bringing back all three of the Nets' "Big Three" stars, CEO Rod Thorn said about Martin, "We want to keep him. I'm hopeful. I'm sure I'll continue to have conversations regarding a lot of different players, but as far as shopping people or as far as we're going to do this or that, I'm not sure what we're going to do right now."

"Anything is possible regarding anybody," one Nets exec said.

If Kittles cannot be moved, the option of trading Kidd could become a reality.

Kidd is likely to have knee surgery.  "We'll know in the next couple of days, but he'll probably end up having surgery," said Thorn.

Martin has a close relationship with Nugget GM Kiki Vandeweghe and landing in Denver is thought to be a distinct possibility for the star forward.

New York Post

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Affording K-Mart: Kidd Trade Rumblings

Jun 26, 2004 12:39 AM

As owner Bruce C. Ratner takes the reins, the new cost-cutting directive for Nets management could have an immediate and serious impact on the team's talent level.

Concerns are mounting that the Nets may not be able to retain star free-agent Kenyon Martin.

In an effort to free up cash and avoid losing frontline talent, the team is likely to buy Lucious Harris out of his $2.5 million deal for $1 million and may also look to do the same with Rodney Rogers and the $3.35 million final year of his deal.

With interest from the Nuggets and Grizzlies in Martin, there have been some talks about deals for Nene and Stromile Swift, respectively.

Martin's camp is making it clear that he wants to stay.  "Kenyon wants to remain a Net. It's no secret his goal has been to remain in New Jersey," said Brian Dyke, Martin's agent. "Beyond that, I really have no comment."  But the issue is that the Nets may not get ownership's approval to match if another team makes the maximum offer to Martin.

The New York Times says that there could be some logic to the Nets dumping Kidd and the $90 million left on the remaining 5 years of his contract.  Besides this truckload of cash on the books, Kidd is 31 years of age, relies on speed and quickness, and will likely have off-season surgery to repair his knee.

The Nets are downplaying the possibility of dealing away the future Hall-of-Fame point guard, saying that this is all part of the off-season due diligence process to prepare the organization for any different scenario.

Meanwhile, Kerry Kittles and his $10 million + contract are being shopped around the league.

New York Post

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The Nuggets Will be Major Players in Free Agency

Jun 25, 2004 3:28 PM

In a city that has quickly gone from Mile High basement to an Emerging Eden, the Denver Nuggets will be active players in the free agency market.  With $16.3M in available cap space, Kiki Vandeweghe will have plenty of room to maneuver.  

While the sarcastically speculated, but plausible Kobe Bryant signing will not happen, there are a lot of talented players available who would become good additions to the team.  

Manu Ginobili, Jamal Crawford, Kenyon Martin, Erick Dampier, Quentin Richardson and Mehmet Okur are amongst the names they could be courting.

Rocky Mountain News

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Carmelo Finally Added to Olympic Roster

Jun 23, 2004 4:24 AM

After many rounds of invitations and withdrawls, Denver's Carmelo Anthony will be asked to join Larry Brown's Olympic team.  He will reportedly accept the invitation, joining fellow rookie, Lebron James, further solidifying the rival tandem as the Larry and Magic of their generation.

ESPN

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Nugz Don't Expect Impact Player at 20

Jun 15, 2004 8:25 AM

As the Nuggets worked out five more prospects, general manager Kiki Vandeweghe does not seem to expect any impact at the 20th selection.

Saying that any pick beyond those at the top is likely a "crapshoot," Vandeweghe told the media that "very few players after the lottery are going to help a team immediately."

Denver Post

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Nuggets Don't Pick Up Bowen's Contract

Jun 11, 2004 11:45 PM

Denver chose not to pick up the final year of forward Ryan Bowen's contract. He signed a 5 year deal with the Nuggets and this final yera had a team option.

Denver's goal was to have one less player to protect from the expansion Charlotte Bobcats. With Bowen a free agent the Nuggets are only expected to leave Jeff Trepagnier unprotected.

The Nuggets, who are one of the top teams with cap space this summer, hope to re-sign Bowen later for a cheaper price.

'"I love Ryan, and I love having him around," Nuggets general manager Kiki Vande- weghe said. "I'm hopeful we'll have him back."

Bowen averaged 2.6 points and 3.2 rebounds primarily as a reserve with the Nuggets from 1999-2004 and became a fan favorite. Bowen, 6-feet-9, 220 pounds, was slated to make $1.39 million next season. The Nuggets now have more than $21 million available under the salary cap'

Denver Post

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'Melo Miffed by NBA

ESPN

Camby to Opt Out

Denver Post

Melo Still in Mix

Denver Post

Bzdelik in Limbo

Denver Post

Okur Will Have Suitors

Denver Post

Camby staying put

ESPN