Both sides negotiating a possible contract extension for Nugget forward Nene sounded pessimistic about a deal coming to fruition before an NBA-mandated deadline today.

Although he said the two sides are still talking, agent Michael Coyne said: "I don't see it. We're just too far apart."

Added Denver general manager Kiki Vandeweghe: "Michael Coyne and I are going to take it right up to the deadline. If we are fortunate enough to get something done, that'd be great. But if you look at all the people who are potential restricted free agents, the odds are he's going to become a restricted free agent. But we're sure going to give it a try."

If no deal gets done, Nene becomes a restricted free agent next summer, meaning other teams may sign him, though the Nuggets could match. Nene has taken out an insurance policy in case he enters the regular season with his future undetermined.

Nene is believed to be searching for a contract worth about $10 million annually, similar to what New York's Eddy Curry and Philadelphia's Samuel Dalembert signed for this offseason.