AI has 'till tomorrow to opt out

[TEAIM]

June 20 is the last day when players can opt out of their current contracts and become free agents or in the case of guys like AI, Elton Brand, etc... They can reconstruct their contracts. By agreeing to less money they'll get more years in exchange. It was reported throughout the season that AI and his people wanted an extension to stay in Denver.

But at the moment it looks like Denver's just gonna let AI's last year play out. What would u guys like management to do with the AI's situation?

[denvers_finest]

I think its in everyones best interest to see how things play out next season. I don't think the AI experiment has lived up to expectations so far, and if the team is unable to advance deep into the playoffs next year, letting him expire might be best for all invovled.

If he's able to help the team make a nice playoff run (WCF) then I could see him signing a 3 -4 year deal to retire in Denver. But based on how that past year and a half has gone, I would be reluctant to sign him to that type of deal right now.

[DaFan334]

^^^Agreed

[The Rebel]

I disagree I do not think it is anybodies best interest for the Nuggets to keep AI. I am not of the belief that a Pg or a new coach is the only problem, there is little doubt in most of our minds that this team does not fit together and making a minor change or two is not going to help the team make it any further then it has. This team needs healthy bigs that can help on both ends of the court, a defensive pg, a backup defensive player at SG/Sf, and a backup Pg, before they can even consider a run at the championship, regardless of the coach.

On top of that you are putting AI into a position of playing for his next contract, and with the way Karl has coached does anybody see it working in the locker room or on the court if AI decides to go for stats and improve his chances of getting a big paycheck next year?

Overall a trade to a team that needs a number one scorer, that is willing to give us a couple of players that bring the things we need, and an expiring of some sort or straight cap space would work for everybody involved. Otherwise they need to trade Melo for those pieces that the team needs, and hope they can make a run next year (which has only worked one time in the history of the league).

[eathy]

i doubt he'll opt out.

[ambiglight]

Smart move on his part. Maybe they'll buy him out since he's hurting the nuggets so bad....

[blue steel]

i'll keep my fingers crossed!

[el loco]

i'll keep my fingers crossed!

For what? That he opts out or doesn't? Personally, I don't see why he would opt out. I mean if I had 21 million dollars staring me in the face I wouldn't opt out of such a deal. If he isn't extended then I would have to agree with what the Rebel had to say earlier in this thread, we can't afford to just let him walk at seasons end without getting anything at all in return for him IMO. I think letting him walk will set us back farther than people realize.

[SnakefromHell]

I don't think he'll opt out. If he wants to opt out and sign for a minimum with champ contenders, he can do it after this season. This is his last $20 mil annual salary, unless the Celtics or Lakers can sign him to a 2-3 year, $8 mil per... I can't see him opt out.

He's still 33, he can do that "sign for a minimum to win a championship" thing when he's 34-35.

[blue steel]

hah, i was just kidding. i dont want him to opt out. at this point, there is nothing we can do but wait and see whats going to happen. i can stress on if we are going to trade AI or Melo or any of that, personally, I think Camby has to go before anyone else. Use him to trade up for a higher draft pick, hes just not going to help this team like Melo and AI still can.

[el loco]

ESPN is reporting that he didn't opt out. Imagine that.

[eathy]

his agent has confirmed (via Denver Post) that he will not opt out.

he's a Nugget for another season.

his 20 million expiring is a huge trade asset, so not all is lost if there is another underachieving season.

[DaFan334]

best for both parties. and the expiring is a good thing to have going into next year.

[blue steel]

i really hope we can find a way to take advantage of his talent. he's such a lovable and hatable player. its impossible to not love his intensity, passion and heart, but its equally frustrating watching our efficiency go down the drain. we need to take advantage of the fact that we have a first ballet hall of famer playing for us. karl has to go, kroenke needs to pull his head out of his ass and fire his golfing buddy.

[Ewingfan]

a.i should have opted out. he and his agent are too busy thinkin about that 20 million. i dont think Denver was willing to give him the extension he was asking for. I would have loved Iverson to take less money and play with Lebron and the Cavs to try to win a championship. I bet Lebron would not have a problem playing with A.I. and the Cavs even though they dont have great individual defenders they play solid team defense. It looks like Denver is coming back with the same team. Realgm reports that the Nuggs and Grizzlies are rumored to be working towards a trade Linas Kleiza and their pick for Kyle Lowry and their pick. That makes absolutely no sense. Lowry is a 6'0 point guard. I think now Denver has no choice but to trade Camby. They cant come back with the same team.

[eathy]

u know, lebron can still play with AI.

a lot of Nuggets fans here would be happy with a trade like this:
AI (expiring) for Wally (expiring) + Delonte West (S&T).