Nuggets close to landing big man

[MHZ]

• The Nuggets were close to a deal for a big man last week – so close that one scenario was on the verge of being presented to ownership for approval before it fell through. The deal, discussed at high levels of the organization’s hierarchy, would’ve been more than a minor deal, sources said. Denver is known to covet Jeff Foster, but hasn’t been able to agree on the particulars with Indiana. The Nuggets’ $3.2 million trade exception from the Chucky Atkins deal, which expired last week, wasn’t a factor since Foster makes $6.1 million. The Nuggets still have a $3.7 million exception from the Steven Hunter trade that expires next summer.

• Speaking of the Nuggets, front office officials aren’t overly concerned about J.R. Smith’s inconsistent play, pointing out that he’s historically been a slow starter. Smith is shooting 34 percent from the field since his 41-point outburst against Atlanta on Dec. 23.

http://ken-berger.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/11838893/19513612?source=rss_blogs_NBA

[grippah26]

Jeff Foster isn't the answer to our problems...

[eathy]

Jeff Foster:
Excellent post defense
Consistent rebounding
3rd BIG.

Though I agree, 6 mil is a lot for someone only playing 15 mins.

[J Smitty]

We got close to landing a big two years ago too. His name was Pau Gasol.

[Powder Blue]

Notice how the article insinuates that the deal was for foster but it doesn't actually say that, just says that it would have been more than a "minor deal". I'm sure the nuggets are always "close" to landing someone.

[J Smitty]

Jeff Foster:
Excellent post defense
Consistent rebounding
3rd BIG.

Though I agree, 6 mil is a lot for someone only playing 15 mins.

As far as what's available, that we could get without giving up anyone in the rotation, Foster is the best we could reasonably do. And his skill set is exactly what we need, like you said.

6 mill isn't bad for what he brings either. Especially when you consider that he'll be expiring next year, to go along with Kmart's 17 mill expiring contract, and J.R.'s 7 mill expiring contract. That's about 30 million in expiring money to play with. Hell, you can even include the 14 million Chauncey is due, since he has a team option.

We're going to be over the tax this year no matter what, so we might as well just bite the bullet for a real chance to compete for a title while Billups/Martin are still in their primes. And then come the summer of 2011, have unbelievable amounts of flexibility, while still having our core of Melo/Nene/Lawson locked up. We could add a max free agent that year to go along with them(plus probably Afflalo and JR, and hopefully a discounted Billups).

[Nutty Nats Fan]

We got close to landing a big two years ago too. His name was Pau Gasol.

Everything would be so much different in the West if that had happened.

There was an article last week that claimed a deal was so close to being done that there was a meeting with the coaches about it. Sure it wasn't about Foster the way this article tries to make it sound.

[KAVK]

Greed has no limit to it!

I am glad that we are after Jeff. J Smitty pretty much said most of the solid points in this deal.

FO is set on not disturbing the current roster too much. That Shooter on the 4 spot i guess just a dream if this deal is done!

[IndieRuso420]

Murphy and Foster

for

Martin and Lawson

[Nutty Nats Fan]

Murphy and Foster

for

Martin and Lawson

Easy no. Ty is the steal of the draft, played great recently starting for Billups. Nuggets are not trading him unless the deal is too good to pass up. This deal is not such a one.

[IndieRuso420]

Murphy and Foster

for

Martin and Lawson

Easy no. Ty is the steal of the draft, played great recently starting for Billups. Nuggets are not trading him unless the deal is too good to pass up. This deal is not such a one.

Is it close?

[Nutty Nats Fan]

Murphy and Foster

for

Martin and Lawson

Easy no. Ty is the steal of the draft, played great recently starting for Billups. Nuggets are not trading him unless the deal is too good to pass up. This deal is not such a one.

Is it close?

I would have to say, no. Denver wanted to draft Ty in 2008 and traded their 1st after he pulled out. They got him in 2009 and he has been playing great and smart. Looks like he could be a good starter in the league now. Next year he'll hopefully be getting more time split with Billups, then starting the following year. Plus he is the type of guard that LA can't guard and Denver needs that. Edit: Also leaves them without a backup PG. AC is usually a 6th man on the court for the other team.

What makes it not close at all though, is the way Kmart has been playing. Great defense, scoring well, and rebounding great. I believe it would be safe to say this has been his best season in Denver. Almost worth his contract now.

I wouldn't be against a Kmart/something for Murphy/Foster deal. Not sure what would make it work for both teams though.

[Teens On Acid]

trade Ty? 99% no unless we're getting something spectacular in return.

[KAVK]

Ty is our next generation PG! Don't touch him!

[KAVK]

Murphy and Foster

for

Martin and Lawson

Bubba! Wake up from your wet dream.

[realfung]

K-Mart is thug

[J Smitty]

That's thugget to you, fåggot.

[DaFan334]

Any thoughts on Josh Boone? What does New Jersey want for him?

[lukekarts]

Any thoughts on Josh Boone? What does New Jersey want for him?

Probably just something that expires.

[indy_dave00]

The deal was for Jeff Foster the Pacers would have received Renaldo Balkman , Malik Allen , cash and a draft pick for Foster.

Denver ownership hessitated at including cash in the deal based on Foster's 2 year deal paying him 6 mil per. The Pacers would have waived Allen immediately , on the Pacer front Balkman's 3 remaining years at 2 mil plus made them want the Nuggets to acquire Travis Diener in exchange for part of the 3.5 mil TPE which has now expired.

Foster has not played since early December after suffering a low back strain.