Salary Dump Time

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Lake Buena Vista, Fla. - Nuggets coach George Karl says the organization knows it likely needs to dump salary this summer, but vice president Rex Chapman said no orders have been given to do so.

"There hasn't been any mandates given," Chapman said Wednesday during the NBA predraft camp. "We expect to see the same core of guys back next year that we had at the end of the season unless something crazy happens."

At the center of that core is Marcus Camby, who is thought to be the Nuggets' top trade option to get the team closer to the salary cap. The Nuggets may have to pay as much as $10 million in luxury tax next season if everything stays the same.

Chapman said there have been initial talks with owner Stan Kroenke about money matters, but nothing has been resolved.

"No, we haven't (come to a consensus) with the season just barely over," Chapman said. "We spent time with Stan recently. You know, Stan is committed to bringing a championship team to the Nuggets. We are still in the process of evaluating our team and this past year's team."

Karl disputes the notion that any moves the team makes have to begin with Camby, the NBA's defensive player of the year. The center is scheduled to make $9 million next season.

"Marcus Camby, to amateur cap guys looking on our salary structure, are saying 'Oh, Marcus, that's the one that can go,"' Karl said. "That's not us. We love Marcus. ... Are we aware that we might have to make some changes? Yeah. But there's a feeling out there that it's Marcus. What we want to do is get better, be stronger and respect the business side of basketball."

Asked specifically if Camby would be back on the team next season, Chapman said "I'd say the odds are pretty good."

Karl wants to add a veteran to the team, but that player can't be found at the predraft camp, where college and international players are working out in front of NBA personnel. The Nuggets don't have a pick in the June 28 draft, but are at the camp, in part, in case they deal for one.

"You've got to always be prepared," Chapman said. "We've got things we feel we can do to help the team progress. You've always got to keep your eyes open, and you've got to prepare like you've got picks just in the event that in some way we come up with a pick or two."

Even if the Nuggets stand pat with no draft picks, Karl said "there's probably one or two guys here that once the draft's over, we'll be calling up and trying to see if they want to come to our summer league." </div>

Source; Denver Post