The irony of Rex Chapman luring Antonio McDyess back to Denver...

by Andrew Feinstein on Nov 6, 2008 3:30 PM MST

We've spent so much time talking about how the addition of Chauncey Billups should (in theory) improve the Nuggets that we've overlooked the other key component to the trade: Antonio McDyess.

According to the Rocky Mountain News' Chris Tomasson, former-now-current Nugget McDyess remains angry with the organization for trading him to New York in 2002 (for Marcus Camby and the draft pick that became Nene...now that was a good trade!). Tomasson mentions in his article that Kroenke Crony Rex Chapman is working on bridging the gap to bring "Dice" back to Denver.

I was going to write a post about the irony of Chapman luring McDyess back to Denver, given that in 1998 it was Chapman who, along with his then Phoenix Suns teammates Jason Kidd and George McCloud, flew to Denver to convince McDyess to re-sign with Phoenix. But the News' Dave Krieger beat me to the punch in a great column today outlining the financial dealings of the McDyess situation.

The only thing Krieger forgets to mention is that then-Nuggets GM Dan Issel (with an assist from McDyess' agent to be sure) essentially held McDyess hostage in McNichols Arena and wouldn't even allow him to speak to his Suns teammates until the deal was signed.

As that story indicates, McDyess' history with the Nuggets organization has been a bizarre one. And it would almost be understandable for him to be reticent about returning to Denver if he wasn't being paid $6.8 million per season for the next two. I don't care how "sensitive" and "loyal" McDyess may be, pay me $6.8 million to play basketball and I'll do it anywhere. Even Oklahoma City.

As a fan, I'm growing increasingly frustrated with McDyess. I thought the Allen Iverson-for-Billups and McDyess trade was a good one because McDyess was included as a Nene/K-Mart insurance policy.

So let's hope McDyess gets over his hurt feelings and shows up in Denver already. Otherwise, this trade doesn't look quite as good.

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"I don't care how "sensitive" and "loyal" McDyess may be, pay me $6.8 million to play basketball and I'll do it anywhere. Even Oklahoma City."

Comments like these usually come from bitter and anemic guys who vent their own frustration (at getting cut in high school... or not being good enough to even try out) by painting players as prima donnas who are paid too much to just "play a game." I'm not sure if that applies to you, but if I had to bet money on it I would say it does.

by Anonymous on Nov 6, 2008 4:22 PM MST reply actions

If McDyess does hold true to his word to not play in Denver, wouldn't it be possible to trade him? This is assuming, of course, that McDyess would play somewhere other than Denver.

by denverson on Nov 6, 2008 4:54 PM MST reply actions

"Comments like these usually come from bitter and anemic guys who vent their own frustration (at getting cut in high school... or not being good enough to even try out) by painting players as prima donnas who are paid too much to just "play a game." I'm not sure if that applies to you, but if I had to bet money on it I would say it does."

Are you kidding me? What, are you trying to be funny or something? What you have to say has nothing to do with this article whatsoever. Pay attention and read correctly, next time so you don't spend your time embarrassing yourself.

As for the trade, you are right Andrew. The whole thing depends on McDyess. If he comes to town this ends up being a great trade. If not, the trade doesn't seem to good. Hopefully he sacs up and comes on over because he is welcome here thats for sure.

by Goldennugget on Nov 6, 2008 6:58 PM MST reply actions

i think he would rather play with Detroit again OR... Boston.

by Anonymous on Nov 6, 2008 7:07 PM MST reply actions

To anonymous: Obviously you have room to talk, as you are some dumbass posting on a blog. Where do you get off with your opinion? Are you Kobe Bryant under cover or something? I highly doubt it. Your just some dumbass posting on a blog. Lets see, do you play in the nba or any other professional sport for that matter? Do you get paid 6.8 million a year? I fucking doubt it. I bet most people would do anything they could to make 6.8 million a year. So STFU and get a life. I bet you money you are a POS lakers fan with your idiotic comments.

by ScrewRichBabies on Nov 6, 2008 8:34 PM MST reply actions

It puts Denver's trade exception back in play … now or later.
Here's a really clever move: Denver used some maneuvering to swap out the old trade exception from the Marcus Camby trade into a new one. The old one would have expired in July and was worth $10.1 million, but the new one is worth $9.79 million and doesn't expire until November 2009. So now the Nuggets have all of the summer to use their exception if they so choose, a nice side benefit to the deal.

by Anonymous on Nov 6, 2008 8:37 PM MST reply actions

ANDREW!!!
YOU NEED TO CHANGE THIS SITE BACK TO FIREGEORGEKARL.COM PLEASE,NOW THAT ITS EARLY IN THE SEASON,IF WE WAIT TOO LONG WELL REGRET IT,CHANGE IT PLESE,OUR VOICE AS FAN MUST BE HEARD,KARL MUST GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Anonymous on Nov 6, 2008 9:57 PM MST reply actions

did i ever say i hate brandon roy. i had money riding on the rockets. friggen hell

by Anonymous on Nov 7, 2008 12:13 AM MST reply actions

What about Cheikh Samb? Denver could use his height, shot blocking and rebounding ability

by Anonymous on Nov 7, 2008 5:17 AM MST reply actions

denver could also use my three point shooting. i do alright in pick up games!

by Anonymous on Nov 7, 2008 6:21 AM MST reply actions

$6.8 million to us commoners may make us say that we'll play anywhere.

But remember athletes like McDyess already have their other millions in the bank and they could afford to forfeit this type of money to satisfy their want, which should be more important than the money, especially at this point in their career.

But that said, I still think it's so unprofessional of him and especially the L for allowing this to happen. Sorry this is business, you're OBLIGED to play whereever you're traded to because you're still UNDER CONTRACT. Obviously, buyouts are an option but seriously NBA cannot let this happen at alarming rate. It seems players do not want to play at wherever they get traded to thesedays.

- Snake -

by Anonymous on Nov 7, 2008 6:57 AM MST reply actions

If Antonio McDyess didnt care about money...the buyout would have been finalized.

We will find out how much guts the FO in Denver has right now. They can stand firm and let McDyess choose between 3 options

1. Retire and forfeight all your money.

2. Play and collect all your money.

3. Accept a buyout which will put the nuggets under the luxury tax. This will allow McDyess to go play whereever he pleases.

But no right now McDyess wants his cake and eat it too....Lets see what you are made of you Cronies....

by danjustin on Nov 7, 2008 2:47 PM MST reply actions

Looks like the Colorado 14ers have the 2nd pick in the 2008 D-League draft if that means anything to anyone. I guess it could pay off right? I mean if we get someone who could turn out like Ramon Sessions that would be sweet.

by Anonymous on Nov 7, 2008 4:53 PM MST reply actions

No disrespect to Dahntay, But why does Karl insist on havin' a weak link in the starting lineup. Now we've finally got that true PG and no need to start AC (also not hating on him) START JR G*DD@MMIT!

by Geerten on Nov 7, 2008 8:45 PM MST reply actions

This post is off the mark. The Nuggets never intended to keep McDyess -- it's a payroll move.

Nineteen teams have contacted his agent. If the Nuggets had wanted to add a quality player to help the team, they easily could have brought a 3rd team into the trade.

The good news is that Chauncey is here. Detroit lost their first with AI. I expect that to continue.

The Nuggets are better, but most of the same weaknesses remain. You all know what they are, so I won't bother to repeat them.

Even with our enlightened (cheap) billionaire owner cutting payroll, there is still no excuse for not playing hard and winning a fair share of the games.

Here's a suggestion: Get rid of George and let Chauncey coach the team -- he'll be running the show anyway. Now Karl has no responsibilities, which is just the way he likes it.

by Dave on Nov 8, 2008 6:07 AM MST reply actions

The game last night was great. The defensive effort was a 1000 times better than at any point last year. Once they start hitting shots and rebounding they will be a tough team. So far they are a good team to watch. Still lacking a coherent offensive strategy as most of their buckets come in a one-on-one situation. Billups for Iverson was a great trade. Now let's rack up some wins!

by paterade on Nov 8, 2008 8:19 AM MST reply actions

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STIFF LIST (as of 4/26 by Andrew Feinstein)

1. METTA WORLD PEACE

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2. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS

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3. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
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4. BILLY HUNTER AND DEREK FISHER

With report after report coming out about NBPA union head Hunter's shady, nepotistic dealings and questions arising about Fisher's own role in dealing with NBA owners behind Hunter's back during the lockout, this off-the-court scandal could prove to be more exciting than the playoffs themselves!

5. STEVE NASH AND THE PHOENIX SUNS
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