The Nuggets also have long coveted Wallace, who nearly went to Denver before the team acquired Kenyon Martin in 2004. But according to a person familiar with the discussions, the Nuggets were meeting with Portland restricted free agent Channing Frye as the clock struck midnight ET. Nobody does more with less than the Nuggets, who would benefit from Frye’s pick-and-pop ability without breaking the bank.

They also might have interest in Sheed since they know Chauncey can control Sheeds outbreaks.

http://ken-berger.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/11838893/15830179?source=rss_blogs_NBA

the reason that they buried him on the bench is because he’s a poor version of LaMarcus Aldridge. I’m not saying that’s bad or good, but he is soft.

supposedly Ben Gordon has agreed to sign with the Pistons once that date hits (july 8th i think) and similarly, Turkoglu could very well be on his way to Portland. What this means is that 2-3 players may have just become available in trades:

Rip Hamilton – solid 20 point scorer, great defender and best friends with Chauncey Billups.
Rudy Fernandez – Great young talent who can hit the 3 (space the floor) and get to the basket.
Travis Outlaw – clutch performer with great hops.

I’m not suggesting the Nuggets could get any of these 3, or if any of these 3 would fit with the nuggets. It’s hard to argue for taking a SG or SF when you have JR and Melo, but I thought I’d throw it out there. We pretty much only have Kleiza to give up though so that’s a bit of a problem, but I would not mind having rip on this team and JR serving as the back ups at the 1 (with Lawson), 2, and 3.

but probably not on any of these three guys. I guess if we’re in win now mentality, I’d want Rip and continue to bring JR off the bench for that added punch.

I don’t have anyone in mind but I would like the nuggies to use that exception, only if it meant putting us over the top.

but JR can also play some point and 3. So we let Carter and Kleiza go (maybe use Kleiza in a sign and trade for a big) and suddenly Smith can find about 13 minutes at SF, 16 at SG and 5 at PG and suddenly he’s got 34 minutes a game. Not ideal, but perhaps the Nuggets would be a better team and that’s what’s most important. However, rumor is Ben Gordon will sign the deal with Detroit knowing that he’ll be the 6th man. At the same time, I doubt Dumas is signing someone for 5 years at 55-60 million to come off the bench…