Nuggets deal Camby in 'salary dump'
By Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published July 15, 2008 at 7:32 p.m.
Photo by David Zalubowski/Associated Press
Marcus Camby hangs on the rim after dunking against the Los Angeles Clippers last season.
Did the Nuggets do the right thing by trading Marcus Camby?
Camby's career with Nuggets
Nuggets center Marcus Camby, above, has been traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, his agent confirmed Tuesday night. The deal is believed to be for a future second-round pick in what appears to be a move for salary-cap purposes.
Marcus Camby's agent was told it was a salary dump.
It was one fit for only the largest city dump.
The Nuggets traded the center to the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday in a move that next season could save them more than $22 million when the luxury tax is considered. And what must the Clippers give the Nuggets?
Possibly nothing.
The Nuggets have the option of trading second-round picks in 2010. But if Denver's pick ends up being better than Los Angeles', the Clippers give up nothing.
"They told me it was a salary dump," Camby's agent, Rick Kaplan, said of the Nuggets. "It was shocking. They got nothing in return. . . . They're going to get crushed in public relations. . . . This is one of the most lopsided trades in NBA history."
The Nuggets did receive a $10 million trade exception for a year, which gives them the opportunity to take back that much more than they give up in a deal.
"The deal was made for one compelling reason," said vice president of basketball operations Mark Warkentien, who said the Nuggets remain in luxury-tax territory. "The trade exception that we get provides us with greater flexibility and more options for potential deals."
Warkentien was asked if he's concerned about the public-relations implications of getting nothing immediate for Camby, who averaged 9.1 points, 13.1 rebounds and an NBA-high 3.61 blocked shots last season.
"It's not a checkers move," he said. "It's a chess move. Chess is a tougher game to understand. You've got to wait longer to see the results of the move."
Kaplan said Camby was "shocked." He said Camby, who played six Nuggets seasons, was most concerned about his charity endeavors in Denver.
"Most of all, I'll miss the Denver community," Camby, who was unavailable for comment, said in a statement. "It became my home. It's where I have my foundation, and I was very involved there."
Before the deal, the Nuggets had nine players with guaranteed contracts totaling more than $79 million. That was $8 million more than the $71.15 million luxury tax threshold.
Camby's base salary next season is $8 million and his cap number is $10 million because of the $2 million in games-played bonuses he got last season. So assuming Camby, 34, plays in 65 or more games next season, the Nuggets would have saved $20 million when the dollar-for- dollar tax is considered.
Camby, whose contract expires after he makes a base of $7.65 million in 2009-10, also has statistical bonuses that kick in if he averages 10 points, 10 rebounds and two blocked shots.
Considering he earned $1.25 million for such bonuses in 2006-07, the Nuggets potentially saved more than $22 million for next season.
Nuggets vice president of player personnel Rex Chapman said he couldn't "venture to guess a percentage" as to when the Nuggets might use their trade exception.
"We're going to continue to do business and make calls," he said.
The Nuggets and the Clippers started talking last week when Elton Brand, who had opted out of his contract, left Los Angeles for Philadelphia.
"We sent word to teams over the luxury tax that we could take money off their hands," Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said.
Dunleavy said Camby, the 2006-07 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, might end up being a "better fit" than Brand. He spoke with Camby on Tuesday.
"It was a shock to him at first, but I think he knows he's a great fit," said Dunleavy, who plans to start Camby alongside incumbent Clippers center Chris Kaman.
The Nuggets now are thin in the post, with Warkentien saying, "We'll see how this shapes out." There is Nene, who missed much of last season because of testicular cancer, and Steven Hunter, who played sparingly.
"I was thinking something was going to happen because we have so many players making all this money, and we didn't win a playoff game (last season)," Hunter said. "I've got to be prepared to produce (next season). I'm ready to work."
Hunter was in Las Vegas, where the Nuggets are having summer league, from July 9 until Tuesday, working with coaches. Other Nuggets veterans there were Camby, Anthony Carter and J.R. Smith.
Camby had returned to his offseason home in Houston when he heard the news. Kaplan said one reason for his surprise was Nuggets officials had said nothing to him in Las Vegas about a possible deal.
"I thought there was a chance he might be traded, but I thought it might be a trade in which (the Nuggets) were trying to improve themselves," Kaplan said.
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July 15, 2008
7:44 p.m.
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Steve_In_Denver writes:
*Sigh*
July 15, 2008
7:58 p.m.
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fjv1026 writes:
Nice...
July 15, 2008
7:59 p.m.
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dpbevan writes:
IS THIS A JOKE?!! camby is worth a future second round pick?! i can agree that trading camby helps give the team some flexibility in trying to build this team into a winner. i can't understand how we managed to trade the runner up for defensive player of the year and get basically nothing in return. we can't even blame this one on issel or bickerstaff...can we also trade rex chapman and mark warkentien?
July 15, 2008
8:07 p.m.
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Jamaro writes:
It was bound to happen. Now just for a 2nd rounder thats a bit harsh. The Camby for Hinrich ideas would have just put the Nuggets that much deeper into the tax hole.
Does provide alot of flexability come next year, Camby off the books and AI's 20 million up. But at the moment fans will definitly look down on this one.
July 15, 2008
8:09 p.m.
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jctf writes:
This front office is a joke. A total laughing stock...
July 15, 2008
8:09 p.m.
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Cutler6 writes:
Well, good job. Way to trade Camby for nothing, and oh by the way to a team that is probably going to be competing for the 8th seed in the playoffs with the Nuggets. Well, it really doesn't matter since the Nuggets will remain 0 for the first round.
What a bunch of idiots running the Nuggets.
July 15, 2008
8:29 p.m.
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cabin_fever writes:
Basketball is for pansies. I love watching a game where rubbing up against some dude's behind is considered a penalty.
July 15, 2008
9:07 p.m.
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lewbsam writes:
This reminds me of when Nafie Perez Gold Glove was traded for nothing.
Frankenstien alias Warkenstien has to be on drugs. How can you get nothing for the #2 defensive player? I agree Camby should have been traded, but for nothing? Get rid of the pipe Warkenstine and Chapman.
July 15, 2008
9:16 p.m.
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BlueCarp writes:
The Nuggets have officially given up.
July 15, 2008
9:20 p.m.
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SteveC writes:
Does Mutumbo sound familiar? They let him go for nothing too. AT LEAST GET SOMETHING FOR YOUR PLAYERS! What a bunch of idiots!
July 15, 2008
9:27 p.m.
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duboisb writes:
To hell with Stan.
July 15, 2008
9:27 p.m.
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farsidefan writes:
These must be the same guys trying to improve the Avs.
Someone get a clue !
July 15, 2008
9:41 p.m.
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iggypuppet writes:
Look at the bright side... at least the Montforts don't own the Nuggets or we'd have lost Melo, AI, Nene, Kleiza and KMart already! Not to mention what the Avs would look like if the buffoon brothers owned them! We might as well have moved to the CBA and the CHL by now!
July 15, 2008
9:42 p.m.
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buffben writes:
buy high...sell low. I learned this from nuggets GM 101 class.
July 15, 2008
10:02 p.m.
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flyrockies writes:
You've got to be kidding me. In an offseason, the priority was to put together a team that could play defense...and then we get rid of our two best defensive players.
We had a chance in each of the past two years drafts to get a nice NBA young center for just this purpose. Now we have no NBA Center and we gave Camby away for nothing. I liked Chapman as a player but I can't stand the moves he makes in the front office. Way to go Thuggets!
July 15, 2008
10:20 p.m.
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bigbadthor writes:
I can't believe they can't even manage to get a 1st rounder for Camby, all they get is the chance to swap picks! This is by far the worst trade the Nuggets have evr made, hell why didn't they throw in Anthony, Iverson and the Pepsi Center. I am sure the Clippers would have given them some used sneakers. Whoever is really running the Nuggets is a joke. If they are worried about the cap and are in the mood for giving away players, might I suggest giving anyone who asks Kenyon Martin, that dude has been like burning money in a forest fire since he goot here. I will never buy another Nugget ticket as long as Stan the idiot is owner.
July 15, 2008
10:34 p.m.
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sportersball writes:
The nuggets aren't relevant these lames aren't worth my time or money and I'm a basketball fan. A second round swap for Camby is the definition of lame. I wish they would swap sand with me and give me a car. They always have been, are, and will be LOSERS trying to find new ways to loose.
July 15, 2008
10:37 p.m.
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jeremynix writes:
Talk about premature ejaculation. Silent Stan tried to buy his way to an NBA championship, and anyone with half a brain should realize that unfortunately, life just doesn't work that way. We only have more of this to look forward to. I love the nuggz, and Camby is geting up there in age, but without him, there is NO defense. Camby saved our lives on a nightly basis. No way we makethe playoffs four years in a row without the man. Nene has flashes of brilliance, but they only last a couple of minutes. If we are lucky he figures out a way to stay healthy and liveup to that $60 million dollar deal. What happened to respecting someone who is a class act though. We fight to keep JR Smith, whose negligence caused his BEST FRIEND TO DIE, and attitude is constantly in question...but lets dump the guy that is a pillar in our community, works his butt off every night, and puts team before self. Camby will be sorely missed. Thanks for everything Marcus, at least you actually cared. L.A. is lucky to have you, on and off the court. GOOD LUCK.
July 15, 2008
10:48 p.m.
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Highcountry writes:
Best of luck to Camby. Terrible move. Nuggets should have kept him. He had the highest character of anyone on our team. A stand-up dude.
July 15, 2008
11:14 p.m.
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reddog writes:
Nice job you idiots, lets see if you can just rape this team down to a worse level then we've been in recent history. First Nene then Najahre(?sp) now Camby. Marcus brought more class to the denver nuggets than anyone currently on the team. Why not just gut the whole damn team and go back to finishing last in our division? Idiots!
July 15, 2008
11:22 p.m.
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RBN writes:
Trade a starter for nothing, Sign no free agents. Get a stiff in the draft. That is exactly how you get out of the 8th seed in the west. Nuggets will be a 10 or 11 seed next year. The Blazer's are better then last year, the Clippers will be better, the Warriors may be the same with Maggette, so that leaves the Sonics (puke) and Memphis (fart) to fight the nuggets for last place.
Signed,
An honest Nuggets fan.
P.S. Now if we can only get Skita back and trade Melo for a stiff we can be right back to the Dan Issel Bernie Bickerstaff days that were such a dream!
July 15, 2008
11:52 p.m.
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SDcat writes:
Wow, I'm utterly shocked. This is crazy!!! Are we sure the Rox and Nuggets front office aren't both run by the OKrankeDuds?
July 16, 2008
12:19 a.m.
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LeftyDv writes:
I didn't think it was possible... but the Nuggets have found a way to make their team an even bigger group of thugs. The Broncos and Nuggets have done so much to give this city a bad name when it comes to its sports heroes, it has a person wondering why we root for the home team. Classless, immature, spoiled babies like Kenyon Martin, J.R. Smith, and Carmello Anthony could all be shown the door... and our lame Nuggets give up the golden boy of our community. Name any player who has done more for this community's positive repuation. oh wait... that would be Jason Elam... and he's gone now too. I can't wait to make the phone call to cancel my 10-game plan in the morning.
July 16, 2008
12:46 a.m.
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cruz3d writes:
When I got home late this evening and saw this headline, my first reaction was "What the H... are they doing?" But the more I think about this trade, the more it makes sense. I am a big Camby fan both on the court and off. Let's be honest, draft picks in the NBA after the lottery picks can be a big miss most of the time. Teams are built around free agents and trades (i.e. Celtics)and to get someone in return that realistically might not offer more than Marcus with a return salary as well. But his 10M salary/bonus (20M in luxury tax)is now off the books. Then next year, AI's 20M will be off the books.
The Nuggets are, unfortunately, in a painful process of doing what we all realize needs to be done. Having one of the highest payrolls in the NBA and NOTHING to show for it, I'm willing to make the sacrifice for next season. The Nuggets after next season will go from being one of the oldest teams (Camby 35, AI 33?) to one of the youngest to build around (Melo, Nene, Kleiza, JR) AND with money to spend.
July 16, 2008
1:06 a.m.
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denverone writes:
Wow! Shocking. Lost our two best defenders on a team that plays lousy defense. We are screwed!
July 16, 2008
1:20 a.m.
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wolfie writes:
first Najera, then Camby? my 2 favorite players; play hard, defensive, team oriented,upstanding professional athletes. i will miss watching them play every game. say goodbye to defense, now maybe the rest of the nugs will play some.(RIGHT!!)
July 16, 2008
1:58 a.m.
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carryBIGstick writes:
The Nuggets front court now consists of K-Mart, who has not proven he can stay healthy and NEne, who is a recovering cancer patient! UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!
July 16, 2008
2:07 a.m.
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statik writes:
cruz3d: I agree. There's too much whining here. I was baffled at first, but it actually does make sense. It's certainly a brave move, but all this "he's such a great guy" talk isn't worth a damn. He's 35 and is bound to start slipping, most likely next year.
I've said all along that we need a bruiser down low, someone who can be a force offensively, to open it up for our perimeter guys.
Wake up people, as much as I appreciate what Camby has done for the team, it was a team that was going nowhere, and with Camby being 35, he's not likely to improve within the next two seasons.
July 16, 2008
3:22 a.m.
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westwoods writes:
C'mon people...it's just as the article says. It's a 'salary dump'. The Nugs spent a ton of money in the past couple of years to win immediately. Obviously it didn't pay off and now they have to free up some $$$. That's the business. Where would you prefer the 22 million come from? The Nugs will be right back in the playoffs next year...mark my words. Relax!!!
July 16, 2008
4:58 a.m.
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jr_mcmillin writes:
I wish they would have kept Camby. They could have saved more money by dumping Melo, and most likely gotten a player in return who plays defense. Camby was good for Denver, both on and off the court. I will miss watching him.
July 16, 2008
5:07 a.m.
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Nostrashawnus writes:
I agree Westwoods...this was a dump. That is all. However, they gave up a soft spot, weak side only, help defender. Now maybe this will force the other guys to play defense since they know that Camby isn't there to bail them out. Don't get me wrong, I like the guy, but he couldn't guard anyone over 220lbs straight up.
July 16, 2008
5:27 a.m.
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paguy1955 writes:
Oh well guess us hard working guys who shelled out BIG MONEY to the Nuggets for tickets just have to su** it up. At least this season we don't have to worry about the playoff race....we won't be in it!
July 16, 2008
6:17 a.m.
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stalagna writes:
They should have finalized a deal getting rid of Carmelo and kept a quality player and person like Camby. The single person bringing that team down is Anthony. Absolutely no leadership qualities whatsover, defense is an after thought and in case you haven't noticed, his shooting percentage is in the bottom half of the league. If anybody shoots as much as Carmelo does they will get their points. Back to the Lottery for next year.....
July 16, 2008
6:28 a.m.
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sportersball writes:
To those of you who think this makes sense, how do you trade Camby for nothing who has 1 yr left on his contract, instead on NeNe who has 3yrs left with pretty much the same salary as Camby or Kenyon Martin who has 2 years left on a bigger contract? After next year Kmarts expiring contract will have value. So with 2 years remaining is it totally valueless? Guess they couldn't find any takers of the garbage contracts (NeNe and Martin) it looks like they will have to eat those remaining years of injured non productive players. They are in bad shape with no hungry draft picks on the roster with low contracts. They have 2 contracts from non productive players that are not worth a damn, and will eat the next 2 and 3 years of salaries and they can't move either player. The Kmart and NeNe contracts has this team in a big hole. The West is better and the Nuggets have got worst . Rex Chapman and the faceless front office staff is in over their heads with no new ideas or plans. (IE buy Kmart or NeNe out before dumping Camby) Either way their in a losing situation and will loose money. I guess the front office will concede to eating the contracts for the full remaining years, loose the next 2 years if Melo does not turn into the 2nd coming of Larry Bird magically, and Rex will be looking for work. Why would anyone spend money to watch this product at the Pepsi center the next 2 or 3 years?
July 16, 2008
6:38 a.m.
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LOUIE writes:
Fine, you dumped a big financial liability, now go get a player who is strong on defense, to match up with Melo and AI's offensive capabilities. Nuggets need defense as we already have a fair offense.
July 16, 2008
6:42 a.m.
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Firefox writes:
Is it just me or could this be one of the worst years for our beloved Denver teams? Avalanche offseason has been pathetic (what happened to this team), Nuggets continue to make poor decisions and I am starting to wonder if they will ever be a winning team, Broncos though it is still a wait and see for this year I am concerned they will struggle, and the Rockies well enough said. I love Denver but cant imagine what it is like to have Boston's teams.
July 16, 2008
7:05 a.m.
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LaszloPanaflex writes:
The only guy on the team who played defense. About the only guy on the team that I like. Since they got Iverson I've found them less and less watchable. I won't even try any more. Move 'em to St. Louis for all I care.
July 16, 2008
7:42 a.m.
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irishindian writes:
now that they have no troublesome defensive players they can bring back paul westhead.
July 16, 2008
8:06 a.m.
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ktbelievable writes:
So many clueless fans! This move had to be made. How about putting some of the blame on the overpaid players who didnt have the moxy to show up and play defense. While Camby was great for the community he is wearing down at 34 and clearly did not provide sorely needed veteran leadership.
July 16, 2008
8:07 a.m.
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tmcd writes:
I think we just traded Camby to next years 8th seed, which means we may be the odd team out. Camby for nothing is a true bummer. I can only hope they are not finished putting together this years roster, but I have the feeling they are just waiting until next year when AI's contract is up so they can rebuild. Camby's charity work and his work ethic on the court will be truly missed. As for the front office, they traded for AI and then last year paid a lot of money over the Lux tax and took a shot. Unfortunately it didn't pan out so I can't blame them for trying. Having said that, this deal is a real stinker.
July 16, 2008
8:08 a.m.
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Littleboyblue writes:
You can't expect to win an NBA championship playing from the outside in. Bunch of shot jacking, matador defense playing, no heart having, backward-butt front office...are there any real basketball people in the organization? The nuggets are SOFT. Panty wearers!
July 16, 2008
8:13 a.m.
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Littleboyblue writes:
Here's a thought...everyone bring ladies undies to the games and throw 'em on the court everytime we give up an easy basket by not playing D. Or jacking up one of those I have 3 guys on me and I've dribbled away the 24 second clock but I'm shootin' anyway shots.
July 16, 2008
8:21 a.m.
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jbowen43 writes:
Does any city have worse ownership of its "professional" sports teams than Denver?
July 16, 2008
8:26 a.m.
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newshound writes:
Worse ownership? I don't know about you, but the ownership here is pretty good considering all of the new facilities around Denver. Now the front office for many of the teams are a joke. The Nuggets are way overpaid and they won't have any flexibility until they can at least get K-Mart off the books. I'm happy they got rid of Camby, because being a good guy off the court can only get you so far. He is a soft defender that scares nobody on the offensive end. At least with this cap exception, they may be able to resign JR Smith.
July 16, 2008
8:29 a.m.
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DenverDan writes:
Denver biggest problem is "Defensive", so trade the best Defensive player for nothing. Should of been K-Mart.
July 16, 2008
8:30 a.m.
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Squatch writes:
Are they stock piling draft picks to make up for all the years of trading picks away? or are we stock piling to package them for a high 1st round pick?
It is a shame they traded the one constant rebounders and defenders on a team that doesnt do either real well. He was a liability as an offensive player but shouldnt have needed to be with AI & Melo but did do alot to help this team. B Najera & Camby good luck with you new teams. Hope JR isnt next.
July 16, 2008
8:36 a.m.
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BroncoDan writes:
guess he didn't have enough tatoos! forget the nuggets! just a bunch of gangstas...how ridiculous!!!
July 16, 2008
8:36 a.m.
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Who_Me writes:
All these complaints - what a bunch of whiners. You just don't get strategy, do you? It is obvious that the grand plan includes bringing in Brett Favre and Joe Sakic to replace Marcus. That move is so subtle, which is what makes it so brilliant. Otherwise, it would be obvious to the casual observer that no one, not even the Rockies front office, could be that stupid as to trade away a key player for nothing.
July 16, 2008
8:37 a.m.
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sk98 writes:
definitely a grim outlook for next season. should have dropped kmart. i thought the nuggets just needed to gel together in the next year or two but it looks like more changes ahead. we need to change the front office of the nuggets who keep the losing tradition alive. disappointing
July 16, 2008
8:39 a.m.
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SteveC writes:
I keep reading about how this was "a salary dump" or that "Camby was getting old". Those are both valid points but AT LEAST GET SOMETHING IN RETURN! The Clippers may have finally disproved the notion of "You can't get something for nothing" because they just did! NO wonder I hat the Nuggets. I haven't watched them since they let Mutumbo go for absolutely nothing. You think they would have learned something from that boneheaded move but I guess not.
July 16, 2008
8:42 a.m.
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Coffee_Mug writes:
Good luck in L.A. Marcus, you will be missed. And good luck Nugs, you have absolutely nobody to play defense. See you in the draft lottery next year. Bang up job boys....Pathetic.
July 16, 2008
8:47 a.m.
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GeeTee writes:
WTF!? What an insult to a player that gave a lot to the Nuggets the past six years! Camby for NOTHING -- does management have any clue how to run a club? Let crowd favorite Najera and ONLY defender Camby go and get NOTHING -- but keep lazy thugs like Martin and do-nothings like Nene.
Not that it means anything to the management, but you have LOST a fan. I hope Najera and Camby haunt your butts for years to come.
GO CELTICS!
July 16, 2008
8:49 a.m.
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GeeTee writes:
Gonna be a lot of UGGGGGGGLY basketball at the Can this year.
July 16, 2008
8:49 a.m.
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MarcoPolo writes:
"It's a chess move. Chess is a tougher game to understand. You've got to wait longer to see the results of the move."
Obviously too tough for Warkentien to understand. Anyone that understands Chess knows you don't "wait" to see the results of a move, you already know the outcome ahead of time. It's called being several moves ahead of your opponent.
And I believe the Clippers just performed a "1-move" Checkmate.
July 16, 2008
9:05 a.m.
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OhBrother writes:
Just great, if you ever wonder why players have little dedication to a team-here is the answer. We didn't need to make this move, Nene or Kmart should have gone for salary reasons. Camby is older but should have had a reduced role, we could have picked up a younger center at any time but we chose not to. This can still work out but probaly not next year...way to mail it in front office, at least we can still blame Melo and AI for everything as we all know how much a of a D threat Melo was in college and AI was in Philly. Yup, let's run those guys out of town too becuase that will equal more wins
July 16, 2008
9:09 a.m.
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ni1960ck writes:
The only player on the team who plays defense and they trade him. The one weakness every expert on the planet points out when analyzing the nuggets is their porous defense. AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 16, 2008
9:13 a.m.
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OhBrother writes:
Oh and way to trade him to a team in the west that is actualy making moves this off season. That won't come back to bite us, it's not like we barley make the playoffs in a already tight division or anything. I agree, chess isn't a game where you take a shot in the dark and wait to see what happens- there better be a set plan in action or this is a pitiful move. Losing Camby won't break us unless we get nothing at all in return...proof is in the pudding
July 16, 2008
9:15 a.m.
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Cwillyrun1 writes:
marcopolo, you're right. In chess, a good player knows what he'll do several moves in advance.
This is irritating..... not because of trading Camby, but getting nothing in return. The Cavs used to do this in the early 80's until the NBA put a stop to it. Nuggets management has to be praying Nene doesn't suffer some freak injury or ailment, and that he'll actually play most of the season. After him, who's next in line for starting at center? K-Mart or Hunter? Hunter would likely get abused by most starting centers in the NBA, and considering Camby was one of the few Nuggets to know how to play defense (or maybe the only one willing to), this could end up being very ugly. So what if they get a $10 million cap exception in a trade! Just because they have it doesn't mean they'll use it. Stan and his flunkies knew they were going to be way over the cap long before now.
So Nuggets fans, be prepared for watching our team with 3 or 4 guards starting each game, and always being the smallest team on the court. And be prepared to watch them lose more than win. Playoffs?? Nope, I'm thinking the Nuggets will be in rebuilding mode again and nothing more than a lottery team next year...... bad enough to not make the playoffs, good enough to not have much of a shot at a high pick.
July 16, 2008
9:19 a.m.
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007 writes:
Good luck Camby in L.A. and I hope when you return to play against Denver you show them how much they miss your present, and how they made a stupid decision by trading you.
July 16, 2008
9:21 a.m.
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Pusherman writes:
The front office obviously doesn't think they can win with this group and they are writing off 2008. If they are going to go this route, let's hope they get rid of AI soon (obviously they will not keep him around after next year), so we can have a ton of cap space next summer. At this point AI is only there to sell tickets. K-Mart will be gone in a couple of years as well, so that's more money that can be spent on a good player. 2008 will be very tough, 2009 and potentially 2010 will be better...hopefully. Anyone could have predicted this when they signed AI. It was a nice experiment for a year or two (it gave Nugs fans some hope), but if it didn't work, then they were going to be stuck in 2008 and would have to start over and build around Melo for the future. He is still young enough to build a very good team around.
Having said that, I still think they should have at least gotten a first round pick for Camby. This will be the Clippers shot, and they will be back at the bottom in a year or two.
July 16, 2008
9:22 a.m.
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Stonewall writes:
Don't you get it? Melo met with management recently. He let them know that LeBron would love to come to Denver and team with Melo. They are clearing cap space for that move in two years. Checkmate!
July 16, 2008
9:26 a.m.
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Highcountry writes:
If the Clippers were willing to take on big contracts, why didn't we give them K-Mart instead? His contract is what's killing this team, his attitude often s-cks, and that "salary dump" would have sat better with fans. But nothing in return for the coolest, best rebounding, shot-blocking player on our team? Please.
July 16, 2008
9:31 a.m.
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Cwillyrun1 writes:
This just in...... Nuggets trade Carmelo Anthony to Boston for the opportunity to swap first round picks in the 2009 draft. Says Warkentein, "This will give us huge cap relief and we can use the trade exception in the future. This will make us a better team down the road" If Boston ends up with a higher pick than the Nuggets, Denver would get the Celtics first round pick and the Celtics would get Denver's first round pick. If the Nuggets have a higher pick, they'd get nothing in return.
July 16, 2008
9:36 a.m.
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mark79trans writes:
This isn't the worlds worst. I like Camby, but he is slowing down and not worth the money he is being paid. Both Camby and AI are costing the team in other areas. Camby and Najera should have been dealt last year when they could have got something for them. Garnett was out there. With Camby and AI are off the books next summer, the Nuggets can makes some moves. JR will have a lot of playing time this year and prove or not prove his value. K-mart and Nene need to go as well. They need a leader. Marsh-MELLO is not it. They will pick up something much better next year. Hopefully, there is something out there worth getting.
July 16, 2008
9:37 a.m.
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Radar writes:
Dumb A** Morons and they wonder why that can't bring a championship here! When we get close and league respect, they pull this stunt, along with blowing the draft! Camby is not the one that should be dumped!
July 16, 2008
10 a.m.
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RightDownTheMiddle writes:
The Nugs defense was so good last year they can afford to get rid of a former Defensive MVP. Besides I'm sure that possible 2nd round draft pick will end up being a defensive mvp anyways. Because defensive MVPs are a dime a dozen.
Shoot me....
July 16, 2008
10:07 a.m.
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sll writes:
Nuggies milked Cambyman for all he was worth: c'mon, did you really think he would make it through a couple years relatively injury free? He's due. At least we should have finagled the option to swap picks over a handful of years, but trading Camby for salary relief isn't light-your-hair-on-fire bad... The defense will suffer in some ways, but it might actually improve in others as players learn to rotate rather than by-default funnel into Camby.
Get a damn point guard, that's this team's problem! Geez!
July 16, 2008
10:11 a.m.
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arrangerx writes:
Marcus Camby is a good man, and Denver (the city) will miss him. Salary dump is smart, and what does it really matter if the Nuggets don't make the playoffs next year? They are irrelevant when they get there with the latest roster. Is watching them lose 4 straight in the first round a good enough reason to keep Marcus?
The mistake that was made this year that can't be undone was the trade of the draft pick that could have resulted in a young, energetic center, to tag team with Hunter and a questionably healthy Nene.
Front office is a mess. Karl is really going to have to earn his paycheck this year. Can he teach defense to a team that has made no effort to play it? Smart money says no, but shake-up moves sometimes get people's attention.
The bottom line here? Nuggets are now paying for Kiki's poor decision-making, and are two years away from hoping that a team built around 26 year olds (then) Carmelo, JR, Linus and Nene will have matured enough to learn that basketball is a TEAM game, and that DEFENSE wins.
Meanwhile, how 'bout them Rockies!!!! YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 16, 2008
10:21 a.m.
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yamahabass2 writes:
The Nuggets did the right thing, plain and simple. It was time to blow up this team and start over. This next year will be used to evaluate Nene, JR, and Carmelo. If they don't produce, Nuggets fans won't even recognize the team that will start in 2009-2010. The team wasn't all that good last year so why is everybody complaining?
July 16, 2008
10:30 a.m.
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Disgusted_in_Denver writes:
Disgusting! First Najera and now Camby. Both players were the only defensive presence on this team and both are gone. I was never a huge Camby fan but he did hide a lot of flaws which will be completely exposed next year. Yes the Nuggs are freeing cap space for future free agent signings, I get that. But to let Camby go for potentially nothing after his stock was fairly high a few years back with the Defensive Player of the Year? It has not been working here for a while, get something for him in return when you can. Good GM’s gamble a little when they have the chips, apparently we do not have that with the Nuggs. Rex Chapman and that front office are a joke. I cannot wait for AI to be gone after next year and Kenyon to leave Denver as well. Maybe, just maybe the Nuggs can be contenders for LeBron in 2010. Then he can come in here and teach Carmello how to win. I can see it now, George Karl must go, Karl must go. Hey Nuggs fan, look at how the team is built first before blaming the coach for this mess. Hopefully Kroenke and the Nuggs front office will learn something here and not throw away money on the wrong guys in years to come.
July 16, 2008
10:33 a.m.
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lovetherocks writes:
Why does the nuggets front office insist on keeping the thugs (carmello, iverson, kenyon) and trading off the good guys. You can't even count this as a trade.....we got nothing for Camby! Go figure! This organization deserves what it gets!
July 16, 2008
10:41 a.m.
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RockyMtnMac writes:
It makes perfect sense to lighten the salary! Think how much salary could be saved if they traded THE ENTIRE TEAM! HOLY COW! Oh-Sshhhh! Don't give them any more great ideas.
July 16, 2008
10:45 a.m.
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COLOGOLD writes:
Any chance of us packaging Todd Helton in that move as well? $17,000,000.00 more per year we can punt to someone else.
July 16, 2008
10:53 a.m.
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EndZone writes:
Marky Mark makes Kiki and Bernie look like geniuses!
July 16, 2008
10:58 a.m.
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melvinlajace writes:
i think this was the smartes move they could have made. Camby is overpaid and getting old, plus he was always injured. we needed to move some of these overpaid guys, and this was the right move. we can take the money we saved and go get a REAL center. Smart move in my opinion.
July 16, 2008
11:20 a.m.
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kmeissner writes:
We'll miss you Camby. You are a great player and the Nugs were fools to let you go. Good luck in LA!
All I have to say about Nene is that fool better be healthy the whole year or the Nugs are screwed!
July 16, 2008
11:23 a.m.
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Coffee_Mug writes:
Hey melvinlajace, did the Nugs consult you on this trade? If so, then you are as dumb as they are. If want to save some money, trade that worthless piece of crap Martin and that no-star Melo. The police department will give him a lift to wherever he is traded to. Now they will have some money to spend to get a team worth watching. Talk about overpaid, you can show Mr.20 second dribble AI the door as well. But in your opinion, it has to get worse before it will get better. Good luck with that.
July 16, 2008
11:43 a.m.
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SteveM writes:
How did Boston win the NBA title?
July 16, 2008
11:44 a.m.
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BroncoDan writes:
dump Melo, AI and JR...then we'll be assured of being in the lottery, then get some players that can make a positive impact on the community, like Camby...at least that's something!
July 16, 2008
11:51 a.m.
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Jamaro writes:
As much as this move pisses everybody off, with AI and Atkins contracts up after this year the Nuggets could be under the cap by next off-season giving them some options. (Save 40 million with this deal)
We all like Camby, but to pay him 10 million this year then next year at 36 he would get 19 million! A tough but good move for the Nuggets.
As for getting nothing, it comes back to the Nuggets were not in the drivers seat, they got lucky that they could dump such a huge salary and have to take nothing back in return.
Nuggets got sweept with him and will struggle with out him. Nuggets have to make the tough moves to dig themselves out of the hole the dug for themselves.
July 16, 2008
11:55 a.m.
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Cutler6 writes:
Everyone who calls this a smart move is a bunch of idiots. Smart to get rid of Camby (yes) for a second round swap (absolutely stupiddddd). C'mon even if the draft is a crap shot after picks 1-10 it certainly is more of a crp shoit in picks 31-62. People c'mon the nuggest have had ample opportunity to trade Camby, and as a matter of fact the re-signed him a second time after his first big contract from the Knicks expired. Also, four straight years of 1 play-off series and done, and no all of the sudden the front office realizes they need to go in a different direction. The front office of the Nuggets are A BUNCH OF BOZO'S.
July 16, 2008
12:13 p.m.
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sawzallartist writes:
Couple things
Nobody will take Martin even at a firesale deal like Camby's. He is here, can be a great player and both parties need to make the best of that.
Camby infuriated me at times just hanging around the arc waiting for the 20' jumpshot. Melo, AI, JR these guys need a body blocking out on drives, Nugs never had control low.
The Nuggets had too many non-traditional players. AI should be a point guard but will never give up the ball. Camby as a skinny center with no power. Melo...is he a 2,3 maybe even 4. I don't know but bring in a traditional center and point, let the others do their magic around that line-up.
Any of you lamenting Camby's leaving do you know his injury history before Denver....the nuggs got lucky he played anywhere near the number of games he did.
Camby was an awesome individual...the community will miss him.
The main problem of all of this is the guaranteed salary. The NFL has it right in some ways.
July 16, 2008
12:17 p.m.
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justafan writes:
Is Chapman related to Isiah Thomas?
July 16, 2008
12:25 p.m.
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RBN writes:
Isiah Chapman or is it Rex Thomas, either way the Nuggets are looking more like the Knick's of the west every day. I hope the rest of the Nuggets don't get picked up in that gang raid going on today. Has anyone seen JR Smith???
July 16, 2008
2:02 p.m.
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cpelkin writes:
Wonder how they decided that a team they have to beat to make the playoffs was worthy of this charity? If you're going to give Camby away, surely the Eastern Conference would have done less damage. This is the last straw. I will not be repurchasing my season tickets for me next year. (I also am confused how the issue of making the salaries within 10%, that is often mentioned re NBA trades, factors in on such a lopsided deal)
July 16, 2008
2:47 p.m.
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not2serious writes:
This is really messed up. I'm sure Mr. Camby will continue to play great basketball, and also lead his team mates by example. It is too bad it won't be for the Nuggets.
July 16, 2008
5:44 p.m.
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lx_bieri11 writes:
STOP COMPLAINING! yea lets trade the 24 year old top 5 player (Melo), and keep the declining 35 year old. HE WASNT THAT GREAT! have any of u ever watched a Nuggets game? He was super slow on rotations, like horrible. He could not guard ANYONE 1 on 1. Y do u think Pau dominated us? his Blocks come from drives from oposing guards. He always left his man to try for a block, which allowed a smart player to dump the ball off to the open dude under the hoop. Give up K-Mart? He may b the biggest Whiner in the NBA, and he is grossly over paid, but he is the ONLY Nugget who can guard someone 1-on-1 (other than Eddie, which they def shudda kept). Now the Nuggets will b horrible, BUT, next year loto pick, dropping A.I., then dropping K-Mart the season after in 2010. Do u no who are F.A's in 2010? LeBron, Wade and BOSH!!!! if they keep dropin like this and b meodrocre they will s-ck for 2 seasons, but it will b worth it to pair a more mature Anthony (will then b 26 years old) with bosh or wade. I agree Camby was worth ALOT more than what they got, but i like the strategy. They could end up w/ okefor now (better than camby) so jus chillax dudes lol
July 16, 2008
6:34 p.m.
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JasonM writes:
After reading some of these comments, some Nuggets fans are so clueless and wouldn't know what it took to win a championship considering that you haven't been out the first round in god knows how long. Iverson should have opted out and left, considering that the Nuggets organization isn't serious about winning and never have been. Thanks for wasting that guys time..
@lx_bieri11
Why do you think Lebron, D-Wade or Bosh would even want to come to Denver? They are serious about winning... I guess you fans want to try to ruin the rest of their careers too, the way that the Nuggets have tried to ruin Iversons? Give me a break..those guys don't want to be in Denver. I guess you folks would want them to take a backseast to Carmelo the same way you expect everyone else to? You folks can keep getting fooled that Carmelo is a real franchise player and once Iverson leaves, I can't wait to see the fallout and see who you folks are going to blame then for that teams failures. And Carmelo is NOT a top five player by the way..just another Nuggets fan delusion.
July 16, 2008
6:50 p.m.
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jsppro1 writes:
They had a chance for Marcus Williams(PG) from the Nets. Watch you guys, they will kick themselves for not trading for this guy. He is better then a 2nd round pick. I understand the salary dump but, for a 2nd round pick. Dam!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 16, 2008
6:58 p.m.
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Cutler6 writes:
Exactly, JasonM , I totally agree (and I am a Colorado native and Nugget fan) fans in Colorado for all team need to get a clue. Just because Carmelo was the 3rd overall pick in the draft doesn't crown him a star or worthy of top five player billing (see Wayman Tisdale) and just because he scores alot of points on 50 shot attempts a game(see Allen Iverson)doesn't make the Nuggets a winning franchise nor one that is going to contend for a championship. For gosh sakes would everyone quit idolizing these peception/potential driven atheletes and start expecting them to produce (see Larry Bird, Magic Johnson,Isiah Thomas etc.), not just put up good stats.