SALT LAKE CITY — The Nuggets are making great progress toward signing Linas Kleiza to long-term deal, but nothing has been finalized, a source said.
At Wednesday’s shootaround, Kleiza reiterated his reps are “close” to working out a contract that will keep him with Denver until 2013.
Kleiza, a key Denver reserve, would become a restricted free agent this summer if not signed by Friday’s league deadline (similar to J.R. Smith last summer). Last season was the 23-year-old Kleiza’s best so far, averaging 11.1 points per game and 23.9 minutes.
Also, reserve forward Renaldo Balkman seemed confident after Tuesday’s practice that Denver would pick up his contract option, but his agent, Andre Buck, is still waiting on a final word from the Nuggets. Denver opens the regular season tonight at division-rival Utah.
Benjamin Hochman: 303-954-1294 or bhochman@denverpost.com.
