LAS VEGAS — In what was pretty much a repeat of last year’s loss of guard Dahntay Jones, the Nuggets lost free-agent center Johan Petro on Saturday because the money wasn’t there.
Petro will be the newest member of the New Jersey Nets when, as expected, he signs a three-year contract worth $10 million. As was the case last year with Jones, who signed a four-year, $11 million contract with the Indiana Pacers, the money reached a level the Nuggets weren’t willing to reach.
Mark Warkentien, the Nuggets’ vice president of basketball operations, said the team was sad to see Petro go but wished him well.
“He’s a fine young man,” Warkentien said. “For him to get paid and find happiness, we’re all thrilled.”
The Nuggets were in discussions with Petro, Warkentien said.
“We talked several times to his representation,” Warkentien said. “He got a great deal.”
Petro filled in admirably last season for the injured Kenyon Martin, turning heads across the NBA. For the season, the 7-footer averaged 3.4 points and 3.6 rebounds in 36 games, including 16 starts.
Warkentien declined comment on where the Nuggets go from here in their summer search for frontcourt help. They still have three free agents of their own to make decisions on — guard Anthony Carter, forward Joey Graham and center Malik Allen.
Melo update.
Warkentien refused comment on the Carmelo Anthony issue. The Nuggets have offered their best player a three-year contract extension worth $65 million. Anthony has yet to accept the deal.
“I don’t comment on contract negotiations,” Warkentien said.
Chris Dempsey, The Denver Post
