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posted By bob, 20 February 2008 4:04:59 PM
will this deal be completed today?
posted By Gary, 20 February 2008 4:48:46 PM
I read just a few minutes ago that a source close to Ron Artest says this deal does not look like it will be done. Now I read this one and it sounds like Denver is getting close to doing whatever it takes to make the deal happen. It is only my small opinion but I think trading Kleiza at this point would be a terrible mistake. Don't get me wrong, I think Artest would be a great addition in the present tense, but the deal would be extremely shortsighted.
It is my understanding that Artest would have the option to and likely would opt out of his contract at the end of the season. In return the Nuggets would lose a 2008 first round draft pick, an all world hustler/roll player who is a Mexican icon, and a 23 year old with the physical abilities and work ethic necessary to become a future NBA All Star.
Defensively Kleiza isn't there yet and admittedly Najera will never be much better than he is today but is this really what you want to give up for a chance to get a 29 game contract with a player who has a history of on and off the court issues?
posted By Justin, 20 February 2008 5:16:02 PM
How could you not want what Denver lacks? Defense! I agree with LK but he is a backup SF. While Artest can play 4 different positions, and is argubly the best perimiter defender in the league.Not to mention that he's shooting 43% from 3 point range. We can worry about Artest's contract after the playoffs, but we have to get there first! If the Spurs land Artest, it's over for every team in the NBA!
posted By Gary, 20 February 2008 6:09:54 PM
As I said Justin "don't get me wrong." I do think Artest would be a great fit as far as his playing style and what the Nuggets need. I am just not sure "this deal" is what the Nuggets need. I do not want to see a trade like this hamper the Nuggets in the future. And like I said in my last post that could be a possibility as soon as next season, considering Artest's contract. Travis, what is your take?
posted By bob, 20 February 2008 6:23:38 PM
does this take the spurs out of the artest sweepstakes? or do they have more expiring conttracts?
posted By Bill Ingram, 20 February 2008 6:28:29 PM
This is what the Spurs are doing since they can't get Artest. The decision about Kleiza is just like Dallas' choice with Harris and the Suns' choice with Marion. You're thinking you have to win now or face an early exit from the playoffs.
posted By Travis Heath, 20 February 2008 7:00:51 PM
I've said from the beginning that I'm not keen on the Nugs giving up Kleiza. I like the guy, and think he has a chance to be a good player for a long time -- albeit not a superstar player. For the Nuggets, though, it's exactly what Bill said... win right now or keep players for the future. I don't have enough info to confirm this yet, but I'm told that if the Nugs get Artest, they may be looking at another deal that would bring in a couple of expiring contracts who could also help off the bench this season. What this would do is give the Nugs a lot of cap room, and therefore options, in the offseason... and even more cap room if Artest opted out and did not re-sign. And with a fairly solid crop of free agents this summer, that might not be such a bad thing. But as is the case at this time every year, things are changing by the minute. I'll keep you posted with what I know when I know it. Thanks for reading, guys.
posted By Travis Heath, 20 February 2008 7:09:34 PM
Oh, and Bob, I agree with Bill about any chance of Artest going to the Spurs now. I'm not convinced San Antonio really ever had a good shot at landing him, but they figured they'd throw their package out there just to see what kind of response they might get from the Kings. And based on the fact San Antonio traded for Kurt Thomas a few hours later, that should let you know what the Kings thought of the Spurs' package. By the way, guys... I'll be posting a video update here in awhile from Staples Center with all of the latest trade buzz. Look for it on the bottom right of the front page in the next couple of hours.
posted By bob, 20 February 2008 7:20:59 PM
will this mean tht denver can jus give up najera and von wafer or sumthin since theres less competition for him?
posted By Travis Heath, 20 February 2008 7:30:42 PM
Najera will likely be included in any permutation of a deal the Nugs make with the Kings for Artest. As for Wafer, I've heard rumblings about him and a pick going to Memphis for Kyle Lowry, or Wafer, Diawara, and a pick to Seattle for Delote West. However, those deals are all on the back burner right now. Let's just say there are bigger fish to fry at present.
posted By ryan denver, 20 February 2008 7:46:59 PM
hey Travis how close is Denver getting ron artest and any other moves Denver will make???
posted By Travis Heath, 20 February 2008 10:34:20 PM
From what I hear, the Nugs are closer than any other team in the Association to getting Artest. However, I expect this thing to go right up to the 11th hour tomorrow afternoon. For more, check out the video on the front page...
posted By Ryan denver, 20 February 2008 10:51:02 PM
sweet i hope we land ron artest
posted By Jamier, 21 February 2008 10:13:31 AM
so i hear that the nuggets and nets r talking about a trade and if that goes thru and frees up cap space do u think the nuggets will do the deal for artest?
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