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Breaking News:

Nuggets' Carter likely to sign for minimum

By Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published July 6, 2008 at 2 p.m.

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The Nuggets don't have much to spend on a point guard. But Anthony Carter appears willing to return for less than he sought.

The free agent said Sunday the Nuggets have offered a one-year guaranteed contract for the NBA minimum, and he is likely to accept the $1.262 million deal.

"The chances are very, very high," Carter said of signing shortly after he can do so Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Buona Ndiaye, agent for Nuggets free-agent guard Yakhouba Diawara, said Sunday he has heard nothing from Denver since free agency began Tuesday and doesn't expect his client to return.

Carter said he got his offer Saturday from Nuggets executive Mark Warkentien. Carter, who played last season for the minimum of $1.108 million, was hoping for a multiyear deal worth more than the minimum.

"(Warkentien) just said that, with their salaries, they don't have much to spend," Carter said of the Nuggets, who are well over the luxury tax. "He was straight up with me."

Carter said his agent, Bill Duffy, has said Orlando, New York and Golden State have interest, but hasn't heard of any making an offer. If a team makes a better offer, Carter said he would consider it, but his preference is the Nuggets.

"I was looking for a multiyear deal, with the way that I played the position last season," said Carter, who averaged 7.8 points and 5.5 assists. "But . . . I love Denver. I feel very comfortable."

The Nuggets have looked at free-agent points Jannero Pargo, Anthony Johnson and Carlos Arroyo, but all are likely in a higher price range. Pargo's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said a Carter return does "not necessarily" end Denver's interest of Pargo, but "there's nothing pressing."

With Carter 33 and Chucky Atkins 34 next month, the Nuggets still need a long-term answer at the point. But with a payroll likely to exceed $85 million, money is an obvious concern.

But don't look for Diawara to be on the payroll.

"I have had no contact with Denver," said Ndiaye, saying Dallas, Memphis, Miami and San Antonio have interest and he is "100 percent" confident his client will get a deal for more than the minimum. "Yakhouba probably will not be back."

Comments

  • July 6, 2008

    5:27 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    dpbevan writes:

    terrible signing. carter is nice guy and not a bad player, but the nuggets need more size in their back court. then there is the whole idea of basically bringing back the same cast of characters that proved they can't win a playoff series. changes need to be made somewhere and unfortunately there are already too many guys wrapped up in contract that can't be moved. sorry carter, you're not the answer here...

  • July 6, 2008

    6:52 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    gylizard1 writes:

    I don't mind seeing AC return..he is a gritty...hard working player..and he showed last year he was alot better player than people gave him credit for..another year with the team will benefit both he and the Nuggets. Pargo would still be a nice pickup..I loved the way Yahkuba Diawara played defense and he seemed like when he got playing time he was shooting the 3 pretty well..his problem was he sat on the bench too much to give him any consistency and confidence that his game needed.

  • July 6, 2008

    8:35 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    jsppro1 writes:

    The nuggets need to fire everyone in the front office. How many times do we have to say get a point guard. AC is not the answer, nice back up, that's just it. Even with a healthy Nene, a point is still needed. I know it's a long way to camp but, what's the hold up. Nuggets, DO YOU GET THE POINT,. Again I,ll say keep an eye on these two ponit guards M. Williams(Nets) and A. Law(Hawks) if you cannot get Hinrich(Bulls).

  • July 7, 2008

    12:26 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    forrest_viv writes:

    I disagree with the notion that the Nuggets can't win with the same team, as well as firing the front office. The team won 50 games in the West, despite injuries. I understand they also lost in the 1st round again, but to the eventual conference champs, AGAIN. If they EARN homecourt advantage and stay healthy, this team can win a title, AS IS!!!!!!

    If the team comes to camp in shape and ready to focus on D, we have all the pieces here. Everyone has seen glimpses of what the Nuggets can be, when they are focused on D and play with intensity for four quarters. Why in the world would you want to break that up?

    Forget the luxury tax. That is pocket change for Kroenke.

  • July 7, 2008

    7:53 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    DeimosJB writes:

    For everyone saying "AC is not the answer", "he's a nice backup" etc, you might want to read the article...
    AC is talking about signing for the league MINIMUM, which is a good signing for a respectable backup.
    The problem is not with AC and the other guys making the minimum. The problem is with the $10 million, $15 million, even $20 million men that Denver is currently saddled with.
    If Denver wants to advance in the playoffs and possibly win a title, they need to get their money's worth out of their stars.

  • July 7, 2008

    10:55 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    yeayea writes:

    jsppro1 i would seriously like to know if you're on crack.

    first of all, both of those crappy godforsaken point guards are under contract.

    secondly..marcus williams is a HORRENDOUS defender with off the court issues who can't even start on an eastern conference lottery team.

    ACIE LAW?!?!?! the biggest disappointment of last year's lottery. shot an astounding 20% from 3 point range, 40% overall while trying to get off the atlanta hawk bench.

    there's so much more i could say but ill leave it at that. don't quit your day job.

  • July 7, 2008

    12:09 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    warrengfunk7 writes:

    Man, you don't be on the crack, that would smash it yo! Smoke it up, hold it in!

  • July 7, 2008

    2:36 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    ONEman writes:

    I'm not even going to watch this team if they continue this way. Traded away our draft pick ( an opportunity to get a good, young, big PG) then they resign this guy...... WTF! Let's just trade Melo for Marbury and Randolph and call it a season now. The management is on meth! Looks I'll just jump on the Celtics bandwagon since we wont have a team worth cheering for.

  • July 7, 2008

    10:18 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Nuggetfan12 writes:

    Yes because trading Melo for Marbury and Randolph will solve all of our problems. Marbury has done nothing at New York except for cause problems. If you are going to trade Melo atleast get equal value.

  • July 7, 2008

    10:52 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Mighty_Mile writes:

    Nuggets will continue to have bad Karma since they are funded with dirty Wal Mart scrilla

  • July 8, 2008

    3:26 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    jsppro1 writes:

    Yea Yea, I maybe on it a little however, when Paul and D.williams came out of college. What were their scouting report like? Paul did not start first year(B. Davis) and D. williams did not set the world on fire his firs year. I'll just say this J kidd and H Bibby, would you start Law or williams. Look, they're both young and had good scouting reports coming out of college. Law is "NBA READY" great defender, clutch performer, lottery pick. Williams Ok, but decent strong jumper, great passer and good size for a point. Nuggets have to start somewhere. I like them both instead of old a$%^ S. Cassell, busted T. Lue, Washed up C. Aktins, A. Johnson or T. Green. Now, this guy Pargo you may have something but he is to small!!!!!!!

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