Nuggets lose Najera to Nets
Nuggets 'tried,' failed to keep forward, who has signed with Nets
By Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published July 11, 2008 at 12:11 p.m.
Did the Nuggets do the right thing in letting forward Eduardo Najera go to the Nets?
Photo by Barry Gutierrez
Najera agreed to a four-year, $12 million deal with New Jersey.
George Karl's phone rang late Thursday night. It wasn't the happiest of news coming over the line.
"I knew it was over," the Nuggets coach said of the talk with free-agent forward Eduardo Najera. "We all tried."
The Nuggets had wanted to bring Najera back, but with the team deep into the luxury tax, it was deemed impossible. On Friday, Najera agreed to terms on a four-year, $12 million contract with New Jersey, leaving Denver after 3 1/2 seasons.
Najera had wanted to re-sign. He flew from his Oklahoma home to Denver to meet with Nuggets officials Sunday and Monday.
"I wanted to give them the first shot," Najera said. "They've always been first-class with me."
But no offer ever came Najera's way. So, on Thursday, he flew to Orlando, Fla., where the Nets play in the summer league, and met that night and Friday morning with Nets executives Rod Thorn and Kiki Vandeweghe and coach Lawrence Frank.
By Friday morning, Najera's 32nd birthday, a deal was done. With rounding done, his contract will pay $3.4 million next season, $3.1 million in 2009-10, $2.8 million in 2010-11 and $2.6 million in 2011-12.
The contract decreases to give the Nets flexibility for 2010, when LeBron James will likely head an impressive free-agent class.
"I appreciate the Denver organization and what they did for me," said Najera, who said San Antonio made a late attempt to sign him but didn't have enough money left. "Obviously, they're over the luxury tax, and it's a team that has been stuck from getting out of the first round. Management wants to cut payroll."
Najera had tried to help. Having the option to terminate a $4.95 million contract for 2007-08 and become a free agent, he said he was willing to opt out last year and sign a four-year deal in which he would have been paid less last season.
"We tried but just couldn't get it done," Najera said. "Kind of like we couldn't get it done this time."
Najera had been a spark plug since Vandeweghe, then Denver's general manager, traded for him in February 2005. He averaged 5.9 points and 4.3 rebounds last season.
"It's not my happiest day," Karl said Friday. "I thought (Najera) had the best year of his career last year. But (he left because) there were circumstances, and not all were basketball-oriented. We still have some very good big guys. But we haven't been very lucky with our health, and Eddie was that insurance policy."
While Najera is gone, Karl remains hopeful Denver will bring back a similar team next season. Free-agent point guard Anthony Carter says he will return in a one-year, $1.26 million deal, and Karl expects Carter will sign in a few days.
"(Carter) had an incredibly good year," said Karl, who added that the Nuggets will continue to eye young point guards this summer, including Taurean Green, who has a nonguaranteed Nuggets contract.
Karl believes the team is in good shape, though, with veterans Carter and Chucky Atkins, and Allen Iverson also able to play point guard.
Karl said the Nuggets have interest in re-signing free- agent guard Yakhouba Diawara, but he first wants to evaluate the summer league in Las Vegas, where the Nuggets begin play today. Nuggets forward Bobby Jones also has a nonguaranteed contract.
Karl said "everybody feels good about" wanting to keep restricted free-agent guard J.R. Smith. But Karl said that situation must play itself out.
"We want to bring back the best possible team and, at this point, possibly, change (in personnel) will be limited," Karl said.
But the team won't include Najera.
"I'm actually tired right now," Najera said. "But I'm really happy to be going to the other side of the country and to a whole different atmosphere. I'm really impressed with coach Frank."
Najera said he felt the same way about Karl. He relayed that in his departing call.
ETC.: Mark Bartelstein, the agent for free-agent guard Jannero Pargo, said negotiations with Denver are "not hot, but nor would I say it's dead." . . . Mike Higgins, agent for Monarch High School graduate Louis Amundson, said his client signed a summer-only contract with Golden State, but there's optimism he'll get a guaranteed deal for the $797,581 minimum.
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July 11, 2008
12:21 p.m.
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aragornzxl writes:
Wow, this is the end.
Why the heck did the Nugs not trade for Artest earlier in the season if they were going to lose Najera anyways. As a nugget fan,Najera was one of my favorite nuggets and I was suprised the Nugs didnt even try to retain him. Maybe they're too salary-cap burdened to keep one of the few promising stars that they have. Seriously, this nugget lineup needs a major shake-up.
July 11, 2008
12:31 p.m.
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fishtanksamurai writes:
lame.
July 11, 2008
12:52 p.m.
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newshound writes:
Good for you Eddie, you deserve to get more playing time. The salary cap is really causing problems because the Nuggets have no money to spend.
July 11, 2008
1:05 p.m.
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jkl writes:
Failing to retain Eddie is going to hurt the Nuggets more than most people realize. Name a player on the current Nugget roster that gave more per minute than Eddie. He always hustled and worked very hard to become productive from behind the 3-point line. He might not be an all-star, but he was a strong part of the Nugget team while in Denver. Now we are left with Carmelo who plays defense when the spirit moves him, AI who has yet to play defense, Kenyon who is his own free-spirit, JR (fill in your own description) and Marcus who while productive recently is nearing the end of his playing years. Good luck in New Jersey, Eddie. You were a joy to watch while in Denver.
July 11, 2008
1:06 p.m.
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kmeissner writes:
One of the few defenders we had. Now he's gone. What the heck are the Nugs thinking?
July 11, 2008
1:18 p.m.
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rhsalas writes:
Hey its ok guys, after all we signed ac. All 6'2'160 lbs worth!
We'll be find.... I will not watch nor entertain going to any
nugget games this season! Whos next, up and coming jr??? Salary
tax or no salary tax. To many bad personal moves by kiki and
bringing in a geriatric ward to coach this team. So sad..
ps:
Thanks eddie, you will be
missed. could you please
take melo and camby with?
r salas
July 11, 2008
1:24 p.m.
Suggest removal
daRock writes:
Wow. Almost all of the rest in the West are getting better. Losing Najera is a blow. Hope the Nuggets do something to improve or there will be a lot of unhappy fans.
July 11, 2008
1:31 p.m.
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Big_D writes:
I wish Eddie well on his new team. You can't be bitter with a player that worked that hard even if he didn't dominate.
July 11, 2008
2:16 p.m.
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fjv1026 writes:
Wow...who's running the Nuggets now? Dan O'Dowd?
July 11, 2008
2:29 p.m.
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glassguy writes:
The capper was that he offered to take LESS money to help the team. Just goes to show what kind of player he is and what kind of organization Denver and the rest of team are. Good luck with your super team Georgy Boy!!!
July 11, 2008
3:06 p.m.
Suggest removal
BroncoRick69 writes:
Yet another reason why the nuggets aren't very good, AND cant make it past the first round of the playoffs. Something is very wrong. Obviously with all of the talent they have they should be a lot more dominant. Is it coaching? Is it the front office? Does anyone really care anymore?
July 11, 2008
3:11 p.m.
Suggest removal
dgrasmick writes:
Their are always a lot of complaints about Shanahan, but at least there is one voice and one vision with the Broncos...the Nuggets are so disorganized it is beyond explanation why they won 50 games last year. It won't last long though if they don't fix that problem.
July 11, 2008
3:12 p.m.
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pietrojoe writes:
Trade Melo, A.I. and K-Mart for Kobe straight up.
July 11, 2008
3:21 p.m.
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Devil_Dog writes:
"Trade Melo, A.I. and K-Mart for Kobe straight up."
Kobe can't win without Shaq, haven't you been paying attention?
July 11, 2008
3:22 p.m.
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anthony1979 writes:
how are we going to lose Najera and KEEP Chucky Atkins and Anthony Carter??
July 11, 2008
3:23 p.m.
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AirMax95 writes:
Heart and soul and just left the team. Good luck to Eddie, GO SOONERS.
July 11, 2008
5:10 p.m.
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joeblow writes:
dgrasmick....Well, yes. The Broncos do have just one voice. Too bad it's coming from the guy who espouses "character" and then selects dudes who have no idea what it actually is.
Who's the guy who chose "Big Daddy" Travis Henry? (Do you really think he didn't know about the nine children he'd already fathered---maybe 'fathered' isn't the best word.) Isn't Shanahan the guy who looks the other way with Brandon Marshall, the wife-beater, serial public nuisance? Isn't he responsible for signing Javon Gimmethemoney?
Puh-leeeeze! The Nuggets may not have any idea what they're doing, but don't point to Dove Valley for a good example of 'how to do things right'.
July 11, 2008
5:21 p.m.
Suggest removal
CyberHostage writes:
"I'm sure you've heard some of the rumors around the Pepsi Center about how we're just going to do a little (finger quotes) housecleaning with some of the support people."
"Well, Bob, I have heard that and you gotta do what you gotta do."
"Well, these people here. First, Mr. Naja...Naja...
Naja-work here anyway!"
The Bobs laugh.
***
Sorry, I couldn't resist. Good luck Eduardo. You were a class act, who always left everything out on the floor. You will be missed.
July 11, 2008
7:10 p.m.
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farsidefan writes:
Sad.
Good luck Eddie, you gave us all you had. Thanks
July 11, 2008
8:39 p.m.
Suggest removal
arrangerx writes:
Eddie Najera was easily the best "hustle" guy on the team. He got better every year in terms of knowing and playing his role. I would take a whole team of his character and work ethic, and miss the playoffs every year. . . and I would still be a fan. CLASS ACT and a REAL TEAM PLAYER!
Nuggets. . . coulda, woulda, shoulda. . . won't.
July 11, 2008
9:19 p.m.
ONEman writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
July 11, 2008
9:50 p.m.
Suggest removal
Broncos4Life1 writes:
Do the Nuggets even have a GM anymore? Who is in charge of this mess? Could someone within the organization give a class on the definition of DEFENSE to the team? They just let go of the only real leader they have. Najera may not be vocal, but he sure leads by example, unlike the so called stars of the team. The Nuggets need to realize that Alex English, Dan Issel, & the rest of the 80's team are'nt coming back anytime soon. It's time to grow a pair and step up to the level of your salaries.
July 11, 2008
11:42 p.m.
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jsppro1 writes:
Now folks again I'll say, the Nuggets should fire everyone in the front office. Eddie and Klieza for Artest. Now all they have to do is trade Klieza for some unknown scub. They have to many front office chiefs advising Stan the Man. Someone has got to go. Here's a thought JR will leave too, wouldn't that be a shame.
July 12, 2008
9:01 a.m.
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intothelens writes:
Anybody wish we had a team of Eddie Najeras and Ryan Bowens?
July 12, 2008
10:16 a.m.
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misterbigge writes:
Are the Nuggets management and coaches really smarter than we are? Who doesnt understand the importance of defense for a playoff team? Big scoring can win a lot of regular season games when you play 60% weak teams. Eddie played tough defense and now they can't afford him???? Hey George, now you can get another shooter . . . sheeesshhh, whats on the other channel?
July 12, 2008
10:44 a.m.
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zachm219 writes:
We all knew eddie was gone, we all knew the nugs didn't have any cash to sign him and if you want to point the blame don't point it at the nuggets front office (whom i'm not supporting and hate very very much) point it at the nets front office cause vandewhege is the one who gave K-mart that ridiculoooous contract (cut and paste nene and cmaby in for k-mart where needed). I can't believe they are going to suit up the same team as last year except now instead of Najera we'll be playing Bobby Jones...ohhh my head hurts from all the crappiness.
-Z
P.S.-The nuggets "Gm(s)" are Mark Warkentein, Rex Chapman and Rich Bearup and they stink, stink bad.
P.P.S.- Love the Office Space quote!
July 12, 2008
1:21 p.m.
Suggest removal
seevee writes:
This team is soooo F'd. From the GM to the coach to the players. It'll take five years to fix this mess. What a shame. Losing Klieza (you know it's coming) will complete the devastation.
I do not uinderstand all this clamoring for Artest. Are we going for the Guiness record for number of head cases on one team?
July 12, 2008
2:49 p.m.
Suggest removal
ONEman writes:
WTF did I get removed for?
Just because I said Eddie was a hard working Mexican. Wow you people are somethin else. I'm just admiring someone for representing us in a positive way. Sheeeesh!
July 12, 2008
11:22 p.m.
Suggest removal
den2mke writes:
This will CRUSH the Nuggets. Not that it's all that surprising, this reeks of the same disorganization and lack of plan the Nugs have shown for some time.
Eddie was one of the only ones on the team willing to do 'the little things' that are necessary on a dysfunctional team of stars. This is devastating.
I say there's no way they make the playoffs this year or the foreseeable future, until they scrap the current plan--starting with the coach.
July 13, 2008
10:52 a.m.
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jbowen43 writes:
"..no offer ever came Najera's way."
Pretty much tells you all you need to know about the quality of the management in Denver's front office. If Stan is truly the "man" then he needs to clean house and get one person to run the operation.
July 13, 2008
5:16 p.m.
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desertwind writes:
Time to nuke and rebuild.... Play out these stupid high money contracts, basically be a lousy team for a few years, get some high draft choices and move on.
Did I mention getting a real Head Coach and GM who understand economics of pro sports.
As a life long Nuggets fan, I give up. Najera was a class act. I wish him well.
July 14, 2008
9:49 a.m.
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yamahabass2 writes:
I liked watching Najera myself but from reading these comments, you would think he was a superstar. Najera was good because he hustled. He was not a great player. If the Nuggets are going to be good, they need a conditioning coach that will make Carmelo get in shape for a change. The reason Carmelo takes off on the defensive end is pretty apparent. He's just out of shape. Good defense takes a committment to conditioning, and from what I've seen, the Nuggets as a whole are not as physically fit as most of the teams they are playing.
July 15, 2008
8:51 a.m.
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KCharles writes:
Hinrich for Camby, sign and trade Okafor for AI and a draft choice- that would be a new lineup the Nuggets could build on.