Nuggets keep Afflalo

The Denver Nuggets are close to finally securing arguably the most important piece from last season. According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Nuggets will lock up Arron Afflalo to a 5-year deal.

Stein tweeted around 6 p.m. Monday night,

Just going up on ESPN online: Sources say Nuggets and restricted free agent Arron Afflalo agree to five-year deal in excess of $43 million

According to Stein there are bonuses added to the deal that would help it reach $43 million. Afflalo will automatically be penciled in as the Nuggets shooting guard with Andre Miller, Rudy Fernandez and Corey Brewer all getting minutes off the bench.

Miller will get the starting nod at shooting guard on Tuesday when the Nuggets host the Phoenix Suns. Here is how Afflalo’s contract compares to other guards that signed contracts this season.  (more…)

Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan Feigen tweeted late Sunday that Nene and the Rockets will meet on Monday.

Rockets GM Daryl Morey and coach Kevin McHale to meet with Nene Monday, 2 persons w knowledge of meeting said. Nene is their top C target.

It’s highly unlikely that the Rockets will offer Nene the type of deal he wants. They don’t have the money to pay Nene the max and they are highly unlikely to offer him anything close to the max. And in order for Nene to get a five-year deal instead of a 4-year deal a sign-and-trade would have to be worked out with the Nuggets.

The Rockets do have some assets that may interest the Nuggets. Among them are young players like Patrick Patterson, Courtney Lee, Jordan Hill and Terrence Williams.

The New Jersey Nets are also expected to meet with Nene and could offer him the most money, which is the most likely situation in the Nene sweepstakes. The Indiana Pacers are also planning to talk to Nene.

The only real chance for Nene to return to Denver is if he is willing to sign a contract ranging around $10 million a season for five years. That fifth year is the only advantage the Nuggets have over the other teams, but they can also offer Nene a chance to play power forward, which is his natural position.  (more…)