League sources confirmed to HOOPSWORLD today that the Denver Nuggets are continuing to have discussions with the Sacramento Kings about Ron Artest. The story remains the same. The Kings would like Linas Kleiza included in the deal, and the Nuggets remain hesitant to move him. The Nuggets are skeptical about giving up a young talent like Kleiza for Artest given the fact Artest will almost certainly opt out of his contract and command a hefty raise this summer. Expect discussions between the Nuggets and the Kings to continue over the next 72 hours. One league source indicated that if a deal for Artest gets done, he believes it will be with Denver.
The Nuggets are also continuing to have ongoing dialogue with the Memphis Grizzlies about Mike Miller and Kyle Lowry. Some sources have indicated the Grizzlies are now considering holding onto Miller. However, the Nuggets remain committed to trying to pry him away from Memphis and will continue to push hard to get a deal done. If the Grizzlies elect to pass on a Miller trade, the Nuggets would still have interest in Lowry. The latest rumbling has Von Wafer and a draft pick going to Memphis for Lowry.
Seattle's Delonte West is another player the Nuggets have recently inquired about. Members of Denver's front office have liked West since his days in Boston, and they believe he would complement Allen Iverson quite well because of his size and ability to defend two guards. One potential deal being discussed has Yakhouba Diawara, Wafer and a draft pick going to Seattle for West. The Nuggets could also trade J.R. Smith for West straight up if they so desired.
It remains possible, if not likely, Denver could pull off multiple trades before Thursday's deadline. Stay tuned to HOOPSWORLD for all of the latest.
