<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Linas Kleiza and J.R. Smith cashed in Sunday, while Julius Hodge will be heading for free agency. The Nuggets picked up the 2007- 08 contract options for Kleiza and Smith, but they will not exercise Hodge's $1.32 million option before Tuesday's deadline and he will be an unrestricted free agent next summer. "Julius is in a difficult position. It was impossible for us to extend him, but I still think he has an opportunity to be an NBA contributor," Nuggets coach George Karl said. "As for the other two, they're going to be in our rotation. I think it's important we give them a two- or three-year window of hope rather than a one-year window." Smith, the front-runner to open the season as Denver's starting shooting guard, will make $2.14 million next season. "I haven't really been thinking about it, but it's nice to know that they are really interested, and they really want me," said Smith, a third-year player who was traded to Denver during the offseason. "It definitely takes a lot of pressure off." Kleiza, the 27th overall pick in the 2005 draft, is guaranteed $1.01 million in 2007-08. He was impressive during the preseason, averaging 13.9 points a game on 43.2 percent shooting. "It's definitely good news," Kleiza said. "I'm very excited about it, but you've got to stay focused and start out on a good track." As for Hodge, he is still trying to find his footing in the NBA. He was used sparingly as a rookie and has not played since being shot four times in the legs and hip on April 8. "(The contract) definitely is business-oriented," Hodge said. "I guess they feel like this is the best decision. I really don't have much to say about that. . . . I'm always working hard trying to prove myself." </div> Source
