Denver Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe called a published report "ridiculous" that he doesn't expect to return next season.

The New York Daily News reported Sunday that Vandeweghe, in the final year of a five-year contract, has confided to friends that Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke will not meet his salary demands.

"I've never commented on it," Vandeweghe said. "The only thing I will say is I'm very appreciative of what has been done for me and I like (Denver) a lot."

Responded Kroenke via e-mail, "As I've maintained, our policy is to address contract matters at their conclusion."

There has been much speculation Vandeweghe will not return next season. Director of player personnel Mark Warkentien has been called a possible successor, with the New York Post reporting Sunday that Warkentien is "all but definite" to replace Vandeweghe.

"Kiki hired me and it's Kiki's name at the bottom of my contract," said Warkentien, saying any further comment would be "inappropriate."