Kings-Nuggets Discuss Artest Deal

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Fannation - Feb 12,2008

Ron Artest, the most popular trade rumor, is making $7.4 million this season, with a player option for $7.4 million next season. The Kings have to think about moving him because he can decline his option and walk away as a free agent this summer. The original rumor had the Nuggets swapping Nene for Artest, which would make them smaller while everyone else is getting bigger. But Nene is out indefinitely with testicular cancer, and more recent speculation has focused on a package including Eduardo Najera and possibly Linas Kleiza.

I think hes gonna get traded just dont know if itll be Denver.

 

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Another source told ESPN.com that the New York Knicks made overtures recently indicating they were willing to trade centers Eddy Curry and Jerome James for Artest and Thomas, but the Kings were balking at taking on the remaining two years and $12.8 million owed to James.



"The whole point of trying to package Artest with Thomas (due $7.9 million next season and $8.6 million in 2009-10) is to clear cap space. The Kings don't want another guy (James) clogging their cap for two more years," the source said.

 

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If the Dallas Mavericks complete their trade for Jason Kidd, Sacramento Kings forward Ron Artest becomes the NBA’s next big target of interest. Two league sources said Sunday that the Denver Nuggets are in “full pursuit” of Artest with team officials considering a package involving Lineas Kleiza, Eduardo Najera and a first-round pick.