<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">LAS VEGAS - Kiki Vandeweghe would like Voshon Lenard back. So would George Karl. But the call on the shooting guard might come down to how much money Denver Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke is willing to spend. The Nuggets have until Thursday to buy out the contract of Lenard, who missed 79 games last season because of a torn left Achilles' tendon. Vandeweghe offered a strong show of support Monday for Lenard. "I love 'Vo,' " the Nuggets general manager said at the Vegas Summer League. "I do want to keep him." Before a decision is made, Vandeweghe stressed he wants to "talk to the medical guys" about Lenard's health and would "like to see (Lenard) first." Lenard is expected to arrive Wednesday in Las Vegas, which would give him two days to work out for team officials. Ultimately, the decision on Lenard's contract might come down to Kroenke's budget. Kroenke, noncommittal when asked Sunday about Lenard, is in Las Vegas for meetings with team officials. "(Keeping Lenard is) probably a boardroom decision, not a basketball decision," said Karl, the Nuggets coach who said two weeks ago he wants to retain Lenard. Lenard is scheduled to make $3.27 million next season with possible incentives of $100,000 if the Nuggets win 30 games and $150,000 if they make the playoffs. His contract can be bought out for $250,000. Vandeweghe said the decision on Lenard will not affect how much the Nuggets can spend on other free agents. The Nuggets would be in line to have the midlevel exception of about $5 million and the $1.7 million exception regardless of whether Lenard is retained. </div> Source
