Multiple very informed sources told HOOPSWORLD back in December that the Denver Nuggets and the New York Knicks discussed a trade that would have sent David Lee to Denver in exchange for Linas Kleiza. The trade was later revisited before the trade deadline with the Nuggets offering additional compensation in the form of a Charlotte's conditional first round draft pick. As it turned out, the two sides were never able to reach an agreement.
But how close did a potential deal actually come to being completed? Apparently close enough for members of the Denver Nuggets to engage Lee in dialogue about the possibility of having him in a Nugget uniform prior to Tuesday's game in Denver.
"We'll see what happens this summer, but a couple of their players and other people said that to me tonight," Lee admitted. " And they said that the last time they played in New York, that they tried (to consummate a trade). You know, the NBA's a business. I love it in New York and hopefully I'll be there a long time, but you never know what's going to happen."
It's fairly clear based on what Lee said that he knows he's not yet completely off the trading block. And should New York look to move him this summer in a sign-and-trade deal, you can expect the Nuggets to be a part of those discussions.
To see HOOPSWORLD's video interview with Lee, click here. (Note: due to NBA rules and regulations this video must be removed from the site 72 hours after it was posted).
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posted By Andy, 1 April 2009 6:45:48 AM
With all due respect, I don't see how the Nuggets get Lee this summer. How would they take on the extra salary and why would he agree to come to Denver as a back up? I think the Knicks will pay to keep him. Team-oriented 20-10 guys don't grow on trees.
posted By Travis Heath, 1 April 2009 9:48:37 AM
The Nuggets have about $13 million between the two trade exceptions they acquired -- one from Detroit and one from Oklahoma City. It all comes down to how big the Nuggets win in the playoffs. If the team is out in the first round, then no, the Nuggets won't take on extra salary. If, however, they make it to the second round or beyond, Kroenke could consider taking on more salary. As it stands now the Nuggets are about $800,000 under the tax. A couple of things I know after talking to a number of people last night is that the Nuggets had signfiicant interest in Lee and Lee himself was made aware at various points that a deal could have been close.
posted By andrew, 1 April 2009 12:18:59 PM
Don't they have the camby exception ?
posted By Travis Heath, 1 April 2009 4:28:55 PM
No. The Camby exception was part of the trade that sent Billups to Denver. The Billups trade was actually three smaller aggregated trades. The Nuggets acquired an exception in the deal with the Pistons that was ~ $800,000 less (don't have the exact figure in front of me) than the Camby exception. Since TPE's are good for one calendar year what the Nuggets accomplished by structuring the Billups trade the way they did was essenitally extend the length of the Camby trade exception from July of 2009 to November of 2009 by acquiring virtually the same exception in the deal from Detroit. It was a savvy way for Denver to structure the deal that most people aren't even aware took place.
posted By star0756@yahoocom,, 25 May 2009 7:32:12 AM
nuggets remember its not over until the fat lady sings, God bless you All, I!m a native Its been along time, Its in your hands today1
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