Nene is a hot commodity, but can he do better than the Nuggets?

Since the season ended nearly two months ago, one of the most heated debates among Denver Nuggets fans has been what to do with the Nene; the team’s often criticized but non-expendable big man. (more…)

The Denver Nuggets have the cap room to add a free agent, this offseason but with their assets they may find a better player on the trade market. Of course with the CBA and the pending lockout the trade process may be delayed, but that doesn’t mean Denver doesn’t have enticing pieces that should help them land help.

But it’s funny how success changes a team’s stance on players. For instance at the beginning of the postseason, Jason Terry seemed more accessible than Lamar Odom and Chris Bosh seemed more likely to be traded than Carlos Boozer, but not anymore.

Now, after an early exit and a new coach, and Odom may be the first Laker to be casted off. And Boozer’s slow feet on defense and lack of success on offense has been a big burden on the Bulls this postseason and he is receiving wrath from former Bulls players.

The Nuggets biggest chips are backup point guard Raymond Felton and restricted free agent Wilson Chandler. Both could net a player or two that could help the Nuggets now and in the future.

• Andre Iguodala, 6-6 207, SG/SF, Philadelphia, 27 years old
  Iggy is a modern day Scottie Pippen without the jump shot. He is a great defender, ballhandler, passer, rebounder and scorer. He just doesn’t have a consistent jump shot. He also has a pricey contract to boot ($43 million/3 years). For the Nuggets, he doesn’t make much sense since they are pretty well off at swingman, especially if they keep Chandler. However, very few of George Karl’s lineups make sense and Iguodala has the talent and versatility to back it up. To put Iggy in Nuggets perspective imagine Dahntay Jones defense to go along with a better passing Carmelo Anthony, but not as good of a shooter or scorer – however, a lot more intense player on defense. One Phildelphia 76ers fan suggested a Nene for A.I. trade, but if the Nuggets could find a third team they could land Iguodala by just dealing Felton and Al Harrington.
• Odom, 6-10 230, Forward/C, LA Lakers, 32 years old
  As has been mentioned here a few times over the last few weeks, but Odom would be a great replacement for Kenyon Martin at power forward. He isn’t as good as a defender, but he still is a good, long and versatile defender. He is a much better scorer, shooter, rebounder and passer. To get Odom’s services, the Nuggets could deal Felton and Harrington, but would have to take back Steve Blake. That all depends on Odom wanting to play in Denver. He loves his celebrity status in Los Angeles and is a prima donna and  it would be hard to believe he’d bring his ‘A’ game to Denver. (more…)