SB Nation Denver - Nene Will Enter NBA Free Agency 2011 As A Top Targethttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48907/denver-fave.png2011-12-13T20:13:24-07:00http://denver.sbnation.com/rss/stream/19158732011-12-13T20:13:24-07:002011-12-13T20:13:24-07:00Nene, Denver Nuggets Agree To Five-Year, $67 Million Deal, According To Reports
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Denver Nuggets</a> and free agent center Nene have reached an agreement on a five-year, $67 million deal to keep center in the Mile High City, <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/#!/ESPNSteinLine/status/146787401870753792">reports ESPN's Marc Stein</a>. After waiting months for a resolution to this situation, it appears the Nuggets have received an early Christmas present with this deal.</p>
<p>Nene was acquired by the Nuggets during the 2002 NBA Draft when the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/">New York Knicks</a> drafted him with the seventh overall pick and then traded him with <span>Marcus Camby</span> to the Nuggets for <span>Antonio McDyess</span> and others. Over nine seasons, the now 29-year-old big man has averaged 12.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.</p>
<p>The Nuggets need Nene's veteran leadership more than ever as the team will certainly have a younger feel to it than in years past.</p>
<p><i>Stay tuned to <a href="http://denver.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Denver</a> for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the <a href="http://denver.sbnation.com/denver-nuggets/2011/12/nba/teams/denver-nuggets" target="_blank">Denver Nuggets</a> be sure to visit <a href="http://www.denverstiffs.com/">Denver Stiffs</a>. Visit <a href="http://sbnation.com/nba/" target="_blank">SB Nation NBA</a> for more news and notes around the league.</i></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/denver-nuggets/2011/12/13/2634598/nene-contract-denver-nuggets-nba-rumorsRuss Oates2011-12-10T09:58:47-07:002011-12-10T09:58:47-07:00NBA Free Agency 2011: Nene 'On The Cusp' Of Signing With New Jersey Nets, According To Reports
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<p>Prized free agent PF/C Nene is very close to signing with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-jersey-nets">New Jersey Nets</a>, according to a report by <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/nets/magic_trick_3zs6joQJvgofglsd8gAeOP?CMP=OTC-rss&FEEDNAME=">Fred Kerber of the <i>New York Post</i></a>. The deal currently being discussed is for four-years and worth approximately $60 million to $65 million. Some outlets have suggested that deal has been upped to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/dwight-howard-rumors-continue-swirl-jersey-nets-training-camp-nene-enters-mix-article-1.989634?pgno=1">four-years for $70 million</a>, but editors of SB Nation's Nets blog, Nets Daily, have reported that <a target="_blank" href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2011/12/10/2625592/nets-on-cusp-of-signing-nene-consider-bringing-rj-back">the deal is worth more like $64 million</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/#!/NetsDaily/status/145537125205553153">not $70 million</a>. </p>
<p>Much has been made in recent days <a target="_blank" href="http://www.netsdaily.com/2011/12/9/2625324/fagan-dwight-howard-has-permission-to-talk-to-nets-and-two-other-teams">about the Nets contacting Dwight Howard</a>, who shares an agent with Nene, but if it comes down to a choice it appears Nene is the priority, <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/KBergCBS/status/145323181278904320" target="_blank">according to Ken Berger of CBS Sports</a>.</p>
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<p class="dittoTweet"><span class="metadata"><span class="author"><a href="http://twitter.com/KBergCBS"><img src="http://a3.twimg.com/profile_images/911394203/avatar_normal.jpeg"></a><b><a class="mainlink" href="http://twitter.com/KBergCBS">@KBergCBS</a></b><br>Ken Berger</span></span>Meanwhile, league sources say the Nets are more focused on landing free-agent big man Nene than trading for <span>Dwight Howard</span>.<span class="timestamp"><a href="http://www.twitter.com"><img src="http://images.ientrymail.com/socialditto/twitter-bird.png" border="0" align="absmiddle"></a> <a title="Sat Dec 10 02:05:21 +0000 2011" href="http://twitter.com/#!/KBergCBS/status/145323181278904320">14 hours ago</a> via <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.tweetdeck.com">TweetDeck</a> · powered by <a href="http://www.socialditto.com">@socialditto</a></span></p>
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Denver Nuggets</a> still might get involved in the process if the bidding increases, because Nene can earn the most money under a sign-and-trade scenario that would surely net the Nuggets some valuable pieces in return.</p>
<p><i>Stay tuned to <a href="http://denver.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Denver</a> for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the <a target="_blank" href="http://denver.sbnation.com/denver-nuggets/2011/12/nba/teams/denver-nuggets">Denver Nuggets</a> be sure to visit <a href="http://www.denverstiffs.com/">Denver Stiffs</a>. Visit <a target="_blank" href="http://sbnation.com/nba/">SB Nation NBA</a> for more news and notes around the league.</i></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/denver-nuggets/2011/12/10/2625934/nene-new-jersey-nets-nba-free-agency-2011Steve von Horn2011-12-09T11:17:00-07:002011-12-09T11:17:00-07:00NBA Free Agency 2011: New Jersey Nets Nearing Agreement With Nene
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<p>Free agent center <span>Nene</span> may be nearing a deal with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-jersey-nets">New Jersey Nets</a>, according to Stefan Bondy of the <i>New York Daily News</i>:</p>
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<p class="dittoTweet"><span class="metadata"><span class="author"><a href="http://twitter.com/NYDNInterNets"><img src="http://a1.twimg.com/profile_images/1082021484/Stefan-Bondy_Square_normal.jpg"></a><b><a href="http://twitter.com/NYDNInterNets" class="mainlink">@NYDNInterNets</a></b><br>Stefan Bondy</span></span>SOURCE: Nets are closing in on Nene after upping the offer last night. Went hard after the center after Chandler went to the <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Knicks</a><span class="timestamp"><a href="http://www.twitter.com"><img src="http://images.ientrymail.com/socialditto/twitter-bird.png" border="0" align="absmiddle"></a> <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/NYDNInterNets/status/145197075221590016" title="Fri Dec 09 17:44:15 +0000 2011">30 minutes ago</a> via web · powered by <a href="http://www.socialditto.com">@socialditto</a></span></p>
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<p><br>Nene is one of the top free agents of the top free agents in the abbreviated 2011 offseason. The 29-year-old 9-year veteran led the league in field goal percentage in the 2010-2011 season, shooting .615 while averaging 14.5 points per game and 17.1 points per 36 minutes.</p>
<p>Through the first nine years of his NBA career, Nene has played exclusively with the <a href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Nuggets</a>. The Brazil native is a free agent for the first time. In the 2010-2011 season, Nene earned $11.4 million will the Nuggets.</p>
<p><i>Stay tuned to <a href="http://denver.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Denver</a> for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the <a target="_blank" href="http://denver.sbnation.com/denver-nuggets/2011/12/nba/teams/denver-nuggets">Denver Nuggets</a> be sure to visit <a href="http://www.denverstiffs.com/">Denver Stiffs</a>. Visit <a target="_blank" href="http://sbnation.com/nba/">SB Nation NBA</a> for more news and notes around the league. </i></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/denver-nuggets/2011/12/9/2623868/nba-free-agnecy-2011-new-jersey-nets-nene-hilarioBradley Woodrum2011-12-06T09:29:38-07:002011-12-06T09:29:38-07:00NBA Free Agency 2011: Pacers' Larry Bird To Meet With Nene, According To Report
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Denver Nuggets</a> are one of many suitors for Nene, but with the team <a target="_blank" href="http://denver.sbnation.com/denver-nuggets/2011/12/5/2613654/thaddeus-young-rumors-nba-free-agency-nuggets-76ers">reportedly talking with Thaddeus Young</a> it appears that they are preparing for life without the forward. One team that is looking to sign Nene is the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.indycornrows.com/">Indiana Pacers</a>. Team president Larry Bird is flying out to Denver on Monday to meet with the big man, <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.indystar.com/pacersinsider/2011/12/06/bird-to-meet-with-nene/">reports Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star</a>.</p>
<p>The Pacers are expected to have around $21 million available in cap space, which could certainly be used to reel in Nene. As Wells mentions, Nene would be able to play power forward and center for the team, especially when <span>Roy Hibbert</span> is not on the court.</p>
<p>Free agency is expected to begin on Dec. 9, one day after the new labor agreement is set to be voted on. Will Nene be one of the early signers?</p>
<p><i>Stay tuned to <a href="http://denver.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Denver</a> for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the <a href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/" target="_blank">Denver Nuggets</a> be sure to visit <a href="http://www.denverstiffs.com/">Denver Stiffs</a>. Visit <a href="http://sbnation.com/nba/" target="_blank">SB Nation NBA</a> for more news and notes around the league. </i></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/denver-nuggets/2011/12/6/2615469/nba-free-agents-2011-nene-rumors-larry-birdRuss Oates2011-12-01T08:58:53-07:002011-12-01T08:58:53-07:00NBA Free Agency Rumors: Seven Teams Immediately Reach Out To Nene, According To Report
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<p>The moment NBA teams were first allowed to reach out to free agents on Wednesday, seven team reached out to representatives for free agent PF/C Nene to open the courtship process, according to <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Ah_bEOI2s_kuMIOdDLNUPyK8vLYF?slug=aw-wojnarowski_nba_free_agency_113011" target="_blank">Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports</a>. The seven teams were the: <a href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/" target="_blank">Denver Nuggets</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-jersey-nets">New Jersey Nets</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/">Golden State Warriors</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/">Houston Rockets</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.indycornrows.com/">Indiana Pacers</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.clipsnation.com/">Los Angeles Clippers</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Portland Trail Blazers</a>.</p>
<p>Two teams not on that list of initial suitors? The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Miami Heat</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Dallas Mavericks</a>, two teams Nene <a href="http://denver.sbnation.com/denver-nuggets/2011/5/3/2151832/nene-free-agent-nba-contract">would supposedly prefer to land on</a>, but lack cap space to make a huge offer happen without a sign-and-trade involving the Nuggets. Meanwhile, Nuggets' GM Masai Ujiri recently said that <a href="http://denver.sbnation.com/denver-nuggets/2011/12/1/2602738/nene-rumors-nba-free-agents-2011/in/2364012" target="_blank">re-signing Nene is the team's top priority</a> heading into free agency.</p>
<p>Head over to SBNation.com, where Tom Ziller has compiled a full <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2011/11/29/2595722/nba-free-agent-list-2011">list of restricted and unrestricted free agents</a>. This is <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2011/11/30/2590631/nba-free-agents-2011-ranking-marc-gasol-tyson-chandler/in/2239055" target="_blank">Ziller's take on Nene</a> in his recent free agency column:</p>
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<p>...Nene is legitimately on the market, with the <a href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Nuggets</a> looking more like a retooling team than a true championship contender. Of course, the only teams who can give Nene the money he's looking for without Denver participation in a sign-and-trade aren't contenders either.</p>
<p>That's all to say that Nene's free agency is going to be a big ol' ball of mystery. The player is a well-known quantity: an efficient scorer with an average usage rate, an average rebounder but better-than-solid defender and one of the most devastating open-court threats at the position. He also has braids and is a cancer survivor. There's a lot to like.</p>
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<p>At this point it's anyone's guess as to where Nene will end up once the 2011-12 season begins.</p>
<p><i><i>Stay tuned to</i><i> </i><i><a href="http://denver.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Denver</a></i><i> for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the </i></i><a href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/" target="_blank">Denver Nuggets</a><i><i> be sure to visit </i><i><a href="http://www.denverstiffs.com/">Denver Stiffs</a>.</i><i> </i><i>Visit</i><i> </i></i><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/" target="_blank"><i>SB Nation NBA</i></a><i><i> for more news and notes around the league, and check the</i><a href="http://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-bulls/2011/2010/8/12/1619902/nba-labor-talks-collective-bargaining-agreement-lockout"> </a><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2010/8/12/1619902/nba-labor-talks-collective-bargaining-agreement-lockout"><i>SB Nation storystream for the latest</i></a><i> news on the NBA lockout.</i></i></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/denver-nuggets/2011/12/1/2602896/nba-free-agency-2011-news-rumors-nene-nuggets-nets-warriors-rockets-pacers-clippersSteve von Horn2011-12-01T07:51:20-07:002011-12-01T07:51:20-07:00Nene Is Denver Nuggets' Top Priority As NBA Free Agency Starts
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<p>While <span>Nene</span> opted out of his contract in late June before the lockout began, there was always the possibility that he would re-sign with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Denver Nuggets</a>. He wanted to weigh all of his options and see where he could go. That still could happen. Nuggets general manager Masai Ujiri recently said that re-signing Nene is the team's top priority (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_19445194">via Benjamin Hochman of the Denver Post</a>):</p>
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<p><span id="redesign_default">"We want Nene back," said Ujiri, who isn't targeting any other big-name big men in free agency.</span></p>
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<p>If Nene leaves, Nuggets coach <span>George Karl</span> will need to see what he has in <span>Timofey Mozgov</span> and <span>Kosta Koufos</span>, received in the <span>Carmelo Anthony</span> trade from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/">New York Knicks</a> and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canishoopus.com/">Minnesota Timberwolves</a>, and rookie Kenneth Faried. Faried would play at power forward while Mozgov and Koufos would tackle center with <span>Chris Andersen</span>.</p>
<p>As Hochman points out, the Nuggets have the cap space to spend for Nene and can offer him a five-year deal. However, will Josh Kroenke let Ujiri spend the money to keep Nene in Denver? We shall see.</p>
<p><i>Stay tuned to <a href="http://denver.sbnation.com/">SB Nation Denver</a> for more information, and for in-depth analysis on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../../nba/teams/denver-nuggets">Denver Nuggets</a> be sure to visit <a href="http://www.denverstiffs.com/">Denver Stiffs</a>. Visit <a href="http://sbnation.com/nba">SB Nation NBA</a> for more news and notes around the league, and check the <a href="http://sbnation.com/2010/8/12/1619902/nba-labor-talks-collective-bargaining-agreement-lockout">SB Nation StoryStream for the latest</a> news on the NBA lockout.</i></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/denver-nuggets/2011/12/1/2602738/nene-rumors-nba-free-agents-2011Russ Oates2011-11-29T10:52:36-07:002011-11-29T10:52:36-07:00NBA Free Agency Rumors: Nene Wants Out Of Denver, According To Report
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<p>If the rumors about Nene wanting out are true, there is a serious incentive for the Nuggets to accommodate his demands and work out a sign-and-trade to get back valuable assets instead of losing the emerging star for nothing.</p> <p><a href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Nuggets</a> unrestricted free agent PF/C Nene wants out of Denver, according to a report by <a target="_blank" href="http://ken-berger.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/11838893/33584531">Ken Berger of CBS Sports</a>. As on of the top unrestricted free agents on the market (here is a link to the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2011/11/29/2595722/nba-free-agent-list-2011" target="_blank">full free agent list</a>), Nene's group of suitors is already large, with the <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Golden State Warriors</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-jersey-nets" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Nets</a>, <a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Indiana Pacers</a>, <a href="https://www.hothothoops.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Heat</a>, <a href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dallas Mavericks</a> and <a href="https://www.thedreamshake.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Rockets</a> all said to be interested in signing the big man when free agency opens on December 9th. </p>
<p>Nuggets fans are terrified of losing Nene, as the 29-year old was likely their best player last season and would be the cornerstone of the franchise if he resigned with the team. SB Nation's Denver Nuggets blog, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.denverstiffs.com/">Denver Stiffs</a>, explains just how pivotal Nene's decision is to the future of the team:</p>
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<p>Under the new CBA, NBA teams are mandated to spend 85% of the salary cap, or $49.3 million in 2011-12...</p>
<p>... If Nene re-signs at $12 million (regardless of whether we agree or not if he's overpaid) and Afflalo re-signs at, say, $5 million, then a few more veterans combined with rookies Kenneth Faried and Jordan Hamilton's contracts should solve the 85% issue.</p>
<p>However, if Nene does<i> not</i> re-sign with Denver, then what? Are the Nuggets supposed to fill a $10-$12 million void with veterans we don't really want just to get to $49.3 million in total salary? Are those one-year contracts or do they have to be multi-year deals just to get players to come here? To me, the 85% clause makes the will-he or won't-he Nene question the biggest facing our franchise at present. </p>
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<p>If the rumors about Nene wanting out are true, there is a serious incentive for the Nuggets to accommodate his demands and work out a sign-and-trade with another team to get back valuable assets instead of losing the emerging star for nothing.</p>
<p>Berger says Nene would prefer to land with either the Miami Heat or the Dallas Mavericks, but he could only join those teams if the Nuggets agree to a sign-and-trade, as both teams are over the salary cap. He seems like a great fit for either team, as the Heat are looking for a big man to pair with <span>LeBron James</span> and <span>Dwyane Wade</span>, and the Mavs are seeking a true power forward to slide next to <span>Dirk Nowitzki</span>. For Nene, the difference in salary with a trade scenario would be from the baseline four-year maximum deal with 4.5 percent annual raises he could sign as a free agent, to the five-year maximum deal with 7.5 percent raises he could get by re-signing with Denver.</p>
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https://denver.sbnation.com/denver-nuggets/2011/11/29/2596397/nba-free-agency-news-rumors-nene-denver-nuggets-miami-heat-dallas-mavericks-new-jersey-netsSteve von Horn2011-09-06T05:45:24-06:002011-09-06T05:45:24-06:00Miami Heat Might Pursue Nuggets' Nene Once Lockout Ends
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<p>Might the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Denver Nuggets</a>' <span>Nene</span> join <span>LeBron James</span>, <span>Dwyane Wade</span> and <span>Chris Bosh</span> in Miami once the current NBA lockout ends? <a target="_blank" href="http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sports-buzz/2011/09/reasons-abound-for-ums-optimism-dolphins-heat-tidbits.html">Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald speculates</a> that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Miami Heat</a> will make a phone call to Nene's agent once the lockout ends to see if they can entice the talented center to move to South Beach.</p>
<p>Jackson doesn't believes it's a good possibility since the Heat can only offer a $6 million mid-level exemption--if that's in the new collective bargaining agreement. Still, the allure of playing with three high-profile players and a chance at an NBA championship could prove strong.</p>
<p>As Nate Timmons <a target="_blank" href="http://www.denverstiffs.com/2011/9/5/2406314/miami-heat-expected-to-pursue-nene">writes over at Denver Stiffs</a>:</p>
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<p>Sure, Nene could probably sign a two or three year deal in Denver and give it one last shot before chasing a title in the twilight of his car[e]er, but why not go for it while you could still be a key cog for a team that will definitely be right in the thick of things out East.</p>
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<p>Nene might not want to stick around in Denver while they rebuild over the next couple of years. Without <span>Carmelo Anthony</span> on the team any longer, we'll need to see if the Nuggets can make the playoffs during a full season without him.</p>
<p><i><b>For more on the Nuggets, please visit <a href="http://www.denverstiffs.com/" target="_blank">Denver Stiffs</a>.</b></i></p>
https://denver.sbnation.com/denver-nuggets/2011/9/6/2407254/miami-heat-rumors-nene-denver-nuggetsRuss Oates