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Miamiballer2k5 · 07-10-2005, 01:13 AM

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drm...916119,00.html

Quote:

LAS VEGAS — The Denver Nuggets grabbed a restricted free agent from the Los Angeles Clippers two years ago. They may look to do it again.

Bill Duffy, the agent for Clippers restricted free-agent guard Marko Jaric, said Saturday the Nuggets are looking closely at his client.

"They're interested,'' said Duffy, who had a discussion with Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe in the stands Saturday during the Vegas Shootout. "I've been aware that they really like him. I'd call it a pretty strong level.''

Two years ago, the Nuggets signed Clippers restricted free agent Andre Miller to an offer sheet, and the Clippers elected not to match. Duffy declined to speculate what the Clippers might do if the Nuggets put out an offer sheet on Jaric.

"I want to make sure whatever happens is mutually beneficial,'' said Duffy, who wants a "win-win'' for both sides.

It's doubtful the Nuggets would be able to offer Jaric any more than the midlevel exception of about $5 million.

"That's all they'd be able to do,'' Duffy said.

The teams, though, also could discuss a sign-and-trade deal.

Vandeweghe would not comment on Denver's interest in Jaric, although he did say he had "nice'' conversations Saturday with Duffy and agents Andy Miller, who has Sacramento unrestricted free-agent shooting guard Cuttino Mobley, and Arn Tellem, who has several free agents.

Miller has had conversations with the Kings and the Nuggets about a possible sign-and-trade involving Mobley, but nothing is close because the Nuggets don't want to give up Nene. When asked about his conversation with Vandeweghe, Miller said, "Nothing's going on.''

The Clippers, who learned Friday they have lost free-agent swingman Bobby Simmons to Milwaukee, also have interest in Mobley. The Clippers, with about $16 million of salary-cap room, likely can offer Mobley a better deal, but he might prefer to play for a more competitive team.

Miller also had conversations Saturday with Kings general manager Geoff Petrie and Washington general manager Ernie Grunfeld. The Wizards need a shooting guard with Larry Hughes having committed to Cleveland.

Duffy, who also met Saturday with Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy, said the Clippers' loss of Simmons doesn't necessarily mean there is a better chance they would match on Jaric. He said the Clippers are looking at "other free agents'' and are "looking a bunch of options, including to re-sign (Jaric).''

The Nuggets are in the market for a shooting guard. The 6-foot-7 Jaric, who averaged 9.9 points last season and has a three-year average of 8.5, plays both guard spots.

"They like his versatility,'' Duffy said of the Nuggets.

Nuggets assistant general manager Jeff Weltman played a key role in drafting Jaric in the second round in 2000 when Weltman was a Clippers executive.

Duffy said he believes a Jaric's situation should shake out "within the next week.'' Players, though, can't sign until July 22.

"I think next week will be very telling,'' Vandeweghe said of the free-agent process.

**Weasel** · 07-10-2005, 01:19 AM

The Clippers have the money to match if they want. If Denver really wants him they should think sign & trade. Something that I have brought up before, Jaric wants to be a starter at PG. He can't be a starter with Miller and Boykins there.

Triple_Single · 07-10-2005, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weasel

The Clippers have the money to match if they want. If Denver really wants him they should think sign & trade. Something that I have brought up before, Jaric wants to be a starter at PG. He can't be a starter with Miller and Boykins there.

I heard he was warming up to the idea of being a combo guard. That's something he'd have to accept on the Clippers if he wants to start as they are getting ready to hand the keys to Livingston. He'd start at SG if the Nuggets were able to acquire him. Though I agree that they'd probably have to think of a sign and trade. Problem is the Nuggets don't really have any players they'd be willing to give up that would be all that attractive to the Clippers. Najera? Lenard? The Nuggets woundn't give anyone else up.

Of course if Sterling decides that the midlevel is too much for Jaric, he wouldn't hesitate not to match. He's not willing to overspend for anyone. Maybe the Nuggets are banking on that. Who knows?

**EHL** · 07-10-2005, 01:48 AM

I think it's down to Denver and the Lakers for Jaric. I don't think he wants to be a Clipper, though they just may match any offers out of spite even if Jaric tells them he wants out.

**yamaneko** · 07-10-2005, 02:13 AM

crap crap crap. i must have come there after the meeting, because i didnt see kiki. If i can find bill duffy later on in this tournament ill try to see if he will give me any info.

Miamiballer2k5 · 07-10-2005, 04:35 AM

The Denver Nuggets want a SG that has PG skills they wanted Gilbert Arena last year to pair with Andre Miller, so Jaric fits what they are looking for.

Triple_Single · 07-10-2005, 08:07 AM

I forgot about Elson. I suppose the Nuggets might be willing to offer something like Lenard, Elson and a second round pick for Jaric. Would the Clippers go for that? They'd get a shooter off the bench with only a year left on his contract(assuming they sign someone like Mobley to start) and a decent, pretty athletic and cheap 7ft big man who tends to play better when given bigger minutes (he probably wouldn't play much in Denver unless Nene or Camby were injured, which of course in Camby's case is a lock at some point).

**Weasel** · 07-10-2005, 01:16 PM

I would like Boykins back.

arenas809 · 07-10-2005, 02:31 PM

I can't imagine Jaric getting a payday when he has played less games year after year, it's just ****in ridiculous.

If these guys want to pay him MLE money, let him walk...

This guy should have to prove he can play at least two 65-70+ game seasons before anyone gives him any kind of substantial deal.

I'm not questioning his talent, but it's ridiculous to pay a guy who based on his history is on pace to play 42 games next year.

What a **** *** ****in offseason, bye Bobby, bye Marko, hello Daniel Ewing, and watch these guys leave Korolev in Europe so he can dominate the junior leagues and not get any better.

DaFranchise · 07-10-2005, 02:39 PM

Sterling spent all his money on the damn practice facility. Thanks Donald! We are so screwed this year.

**Weasel** · 07-10-2005, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arenas809

I can't imagine Jaric getting a payday when he has played less games year after year, it's just ****in ridiculous.

If these guys want to pay him MLE money, let him walk...

This guy should have to prove he can play at least two 65-70+ game seasons before anyone gives him any kind of substantial deal.

I'm not questioning his talent, but it's ridiculous to pay a guy who based on his history is on pace to play 42 games next year.

What a **** *** ****in offseason, bye Bobby, bye Marko, hello Daniel Ewing, and watch these guys leave Korolev in Europe so he can dominate the junior leagues and not get any better.

I agree with arenas, I don't know why these other teams want to over-pay Jaric. He hasn't been able to put on an injury free season. If a team does decide to give him a nice contract they will be surprised to see that Jaric will miss 20 some games. I was very critical of Jaric before last season, then he started to improve his skills. He is talented but lives a injury pron career.

Triple_Single · 07-10-2005, 03:50 PM

I agree that his injury problems are a major concern. But, he still might be the best option for the Nuggets if Mobley won't sign for the MLE. Aside from the injury problems, he'd be a good fit because he could play both guard positions, he can play defense, and he can knock down open 3s. Sometimes you gotta role the dice. The Nuggets did it with Camby and so far it's paid off. They'd have to overpay Jaric just to have a chance to get him. That's the reality of today's NBA.

**Weasel** · 07-11-2005, 11:59 AM

Looks like that Denver will extend an offer to Jaric or Ronald Murray come July 22.

**Weasel** · 07-12-2005, 12:44 PM

http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,600147965,00.html

Quote:

According to the Denver Post, the "Nuggets' latest candidate for their vacant guard position appears to be the Los Angeles Clippers' Marko Jaric," and agent Bill Duffy is guessing that the restricted free agent "could have a deal in place within the week."
Duffy, the Post reported, said "five or six teams have 'very serious interest' " in the 6-foot-7 guard.
The Jazz, it is believed, could be among those teams.
The Clippers, however, have the right to match any offer Jaric receives.

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