Unlike last offseason, which had little activity from the Nuggets, this one figures to be full from all angles.
The Nuggets, who were swept out of the playoffs with a 107-101 loss on Monday night to the Lakers, have many personnel decisions to make. There are four free agents and one large matter to take care of — the contract status of all-star guard Allen Iverson.
Iverson has one year left on his current contract, which pays him a base of $20.8 million.
“If I could, I would get it done tomorrow,” Iverson said after the game about a contract extension. “Once I talk to my people (agents), I’ll have an idea.”
He has expressed the desire throughout the season to stay with the Nuggets and sign a long-term deal. He was the Nuggets leading scorer this season at 26.4 points, and was second on the team in scoring last season (24.8).
He talked after the game as though he plans to be back with Denver, saying he and his teammates all need to address what went wrong and how to get better.
“It’s looking in the mirror and figuring out what you can do to make the team better. That’s my whole thing,” he said.
The main question with Iverson will be as much the years as the dollars. At 32, the speedy guard isn’t getting any younger and the concern for Denver is being tied up long-term to a player when his skills start to slip. That has not been the case with Iverson at any point during his tenure with the Nuggets.
Other than Iverson, the Nuggets must once again decide whether cost-cutting will be major, minor or nonexistent. Center Marcus Camby was rumored to be traded, and the rumor mill may start again if the Nuggets are thinking of substantial changes.
Mark Warkentien, vice president of basketball operations, declined to comment. He’ll be one of the point men in making offseason decisions.
Forward Eduardo Najera is an unrestricted free agent. He has expressed a desire to return to Denver.
Guard J.R. Smith is an unrestricted free agent. The Nuggets expect to either sign the rapidly improving Smith to an extension or match an offer of another team.
Guard Anthony Carter is also an unrestricted free agent. Acquired by the Nuggets to be a reserve guard, instead Carter blossomed into the team’s starting point guard.
“I’m not thinking about anything right now,” Carter said after the game. “I’ve just got to let my agent deal with it, but I would love to be back.”
Yakhouba Diawara, a developing defensive specialist guard who averaged 2.8 points per game this season, is an unrestricted free agent and said he will test the waters.
“I’ll look for the best opportunity, but I like Denver a lot,” Diawara said. “We’ll see what happens, and I’ll talk to coach (George Karl). I get along with everybody. I don’t have a problem with anybody.”
And then there’s the draft. Rex Chapman, vice president for player personnel, has been gone much of the season scouting college players. The Nuggets have the 20th pick in the first round this year. They do not have a second-round choice.
Chris Dempsey: 303-949-2203 or cdempsey@denverpost.com
Looking ahead
Chris Dempsey looks at the Nuggets’ roster heading into the offseason, with base salary for 2008-09 listed:
UNDER CONTRACT
Carmelo Anthony, $13.7 million: Melo has four years left on his deal.
Chucky Atkins, $3.0 million: After next season, there is a team option for a third.
Marcus Camby, $9.0 million: Two years left on contract; faces another summer of speculation about possible trade.
Taurean Green, $600,000: Guard has one year on deal.
Steven Hunter, $3.5 million: Little-used center will look for more playing time next season.
Allen Iverson, $20.8 million: May choose to opt out of last year in search of a contract extension.
Nene, $9.6 million: Oft-injured forward has four years left.
Linas Kleiza, $1.8 million: Nuggets picked up his option for next season.
Kenyon Martin, $14.4 million: Nearly fully recovered from knee surgery, Martin has three years left.
FREE AGENTS
J.R. Smith (restricted): Team is expected to re-sign the athletic guard.
Eduardo Najera (unrestricted): Mentioned in some trade rumors, Najera will draw interest in free agency.
Yakhouba Diawara (unrestricted): Young player the Nuggets like, but he saw little time.
Anthony Carter (unrestricted): Wasn’t expected to become the starting point guard this season.
