It's all about the money...

The move might not come by Thursday's deadline, but a move before the start of next season is very likely. Here's why:

(Cap and Tax totals for next year are based on this year.)

With the Nugget's current financial obligations for next year their 2013 draft picks push them over the current tax line. The tax line may go up or down next year, and may leave them with a tiny bit of wiggle room but not much. This also means that Brewer, Moz and Stone aren't coming back.

I could be wrong, as there is the possibility (or maybe this is redetermined) that Iguodala opts out of his contract and resigns on a long term, slightly reduced deal. The "Hyp. (hypothetical) 2013-14" column represents my guess at where he would end up. As you can see that leaves the Nuggets only $3.5M below the tax line, with no Brew, Moz, or Stone on the roster. I don't see Andre signing for less than that, as there are other teams with cap space that could be very appealing to him (he'd look good in Houston next to Harden). $3.5M doesn't really afford the Nugs any flexibility to add a player if needed or the if opportunity presents itself. It also means that J-Ham or Fours are filling in for the loss of Brewer. Masai might be able to get Brewer or Stone to resign under the tax line, but it would be very close and provide even less flexibility going forward. Basically the Nuggets financial flexibility is gone, and the Nuggets would be doubling down on this roster, hoping that they can continue to develop.

This is also the reason the Nuggets cannot send out their expiring contracts to take on more salary. It would make sense though to package Brewer or Moz with a contract (or two) for expiring/cheaper contracts, or draft picks. Barring a larger move, one or both of them will not be back next year. Why lose them for nothing? The other possibility is to try and consolidate several longer term contracts into one larger contract, but that player would need to be a significant upgrade as the Nuggets would be giving up a lot of depth to make it happen. Either way, the Nuggets are up against the tax line, and are likely to make a move.