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'