The NBA is back on track, and its new collective bargaining agreement could put the Nuggets back in the free-agent market.
Before the league and players union announced their agreement to avoid a lockout that would have started July 1, only a handful of teams – including Cleveland, Atlanta and the Los Angeles Clippers – were considered possible players in free agency.
But a new salary cap expected to be about $48 million to $49 million could boost the Nuggets and others into that category, too.
Denver has almost $47.7 million budgeted for signed players for 2005-06. However, it can exercise buyouts on Voshon Le- nard and Luis Flores, and Greg Buckner likely will not exercise his option on the upcoming season. Those three moves would lower the Nuggets’ payroll to $42.6 million.
With the Nuggets in the market for a shooting guard, their money probably would not be enough to land Milwaukee’s Michael Redd, Seattle’s Ray Allen or Washington’s Larry Hughes without a sign-and- trade deal. However, the Nuggets could more easily sign a player such as the Clippers’ Bobby Simmons, Phoenix’s Joe Johnson or Minnesota’s Latrell Sprewell outright.
Another benefit of the late labor deal will be the easy offseason transition it allows Denver’s current players. With July summer leagues allowed to continue, the Nuggets likely will play from July 7-16 in Las Vegas.
If an extended lockout had taken place, Denver’s coaches would have been unable to make contact with players. But a new deal helps to ensure a smoother transition into coach George Karl’s first training camp with the team.
“The big thing for me is to take the positives and momentum of last year and putting together some communication and contact over the summer to build a camaraderie, to build a chemistry, to build a level of communication,” Karl said. “It pushes us enthusiastically into September and then October.”
Swingman Bryon Russell said a lockout would have hurt. Now, “You don’t have to worry about cats not coming into camp in shape,” he said.
In a statement relayed by his agent, Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony said: “I’m very happy. Now we can all focus on getting ready for next season.”
Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke, who is on the labor relations committee, released a statement: “We are very pleased that an agreement has been reached, especially for the fans in Denver who have been great supporters of our team. This agreement should provide a stable platform for the continued growth of the Nuggets and the NBA.”
With commissioner David Stern announcing the NBA’s plans to expand its developmental league to 15 teams by 2006-07, the Nuggets likely will share a minor-league affiliate with another team at that time. The new deal allows teams to farm out first- and second-year players to the 10 current NBDL teams this season. Eligible Nuggets this fall would include Flores and any rookies.
Footnote
Russell, a free agent this summer, said of returning to the Nuggets: “I had a great time there. I think the situation looks good. Come July 1, I’m talking (to them). That’s my No. 1 goal, to be back.”
Staff writer Marc J. Spears contributed to this report.
Adam Thompson can be reached at 303-820-5447 or athompson@denverpost.com.
