Kleiza Signs Offer Sheet with Toronto; O’Neal goes to Celtics

With LeBron James on the verge of making his announcement of where he’ll play next, the cards are starting to fall around the NBA. Here is a list of what has happened this morning of importance to the Nuggets.

• Jermaine O’Neal has signed a two-year deal with the Boston Celtics, he was deciding between the Denver Nuggets and Boston.
• Linas Kleiza, who the Denver Nuggets have the rights to, has signed a $20 million for 4 year deal with the Toronto Raptors.
• Brendan Haywood was grossly overpaid to resign with the Dallas Mavericks. The deal is reportedly worth, $55 million for 6 years. The Denver Nuggets were reportedly interested in the 7-footers services, but not at that price.

When the smoke clears is leaves the likes of Tyrus Thomas, Brad Miller and Louis Amundson as the top options for the Nuggets. Thomas, who is listed as No. 3 on our list of Free Agent Big Man, has already signed a qualifying offer with the Charlotte Bobcats and for the Nuggets to pry him away from the Bobcats it would cost a multi-year deal offer that will have to start at more than $6 million.

Chris Tomasson of FanHouse said that Boston, Cleveland, Houston and Denver are all interested in the services of Miller and said the talks with the Nuggets are serious. The 34-year-old center, No. 7 on the list has seen better days but is smart and a great passing big man. While he isn’t as athletic as O’Neal, nor as good as a defender, he can shoot jumpers and didn’t miss any games last season. With O’Neal signing in Boston and the chances of LeBron going to Miami, that would leave the Nuggets as the front runners.

Amundson, a former star at Monarch High School, has also been rumored with the Nuggets. If signed he could be a steal with his hustle and hard work on the floor. Amundson, No. 9, has a knack for getting under the skin of his opponents and was an important part of the Suns trip to the Western Conferecen Finals last season.