Thread: Nuggets talking to Kings about Artest
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Old 02-09-2008, 12:31 PM   #48 (permalink)
Peja Vu
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Re: Nuggets talking to Kings about Artest
Artest's future still remains a mystery

Quote:
Although Nuggets vice president Mark Warkentien is believed to be in favor of acquiring Artest, the sources said coach George Karl is hesitant for a number of reasons. He is a fan of Artest's game, the sources said, but somewhat uneasy about losing forward Eduardo Najera in a deal in light of the uncertain status of Nene. The Nuggets' power forward is undergoing treatment for testicular cancer and hasn't played since Jan. 7.

In the meantime, Najera - who has an expiring contract ($4.95 million) and would likely come the Kings' way if a deal transpired - is filling his role and his departure would leave a void. The more pertinent question might be whether the Nuggets would give up small forward Linas Kleiza, whose contract ($1.01 million this season, team option for 2008-09 at $1.82 million) and upside intrigues the Kings.

The Kings might also attempt to send forward Kenny Thomas to Denver as well, while the Nuggets are believed to be making shooting guard J.R. Smith and his expiring contract ($2.1 million) available in the right deal. Denver isn't the only team who could come calling about Artest, especially in a Western Conference in which just five games separated first place and eighth place entering Friday. And although the Artest fear factor remains for most around the league as it pertains to his reputation, there are also those who wonder if he could do for them what he did for the Kings when leading their surprising playoff run in 2006.
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