http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3012940</p> </p><div class="story-header"> <h1 class="storyTitle">Trade with Sixers allows Denver to shed payroll</h1> <div class="byLine"> <p class="author"> By Marc Stein ESPN.com</p></div></div> The teams that combined on December's Allen Iverson blockbuster trade are hooking up for another deal Monday, according to NBA front-office sources. </p> Philadelphia and Denver have agreed on a deal expected to send reserve center Steven Hunter and second-year forward Bobby Jones to Iverson's Nuggets for forward Reggie Evans and the draft rights to Puerto Rican forward Ricky Sanchez. The trade is scheduled to be announced later Monday. The Nuggets knew they were thrusting themselves into luxury-tax territory when they won the Iverson Sweepstakes, but this deal will enable them to shed nearly $8 million in salary. They're also getting themselves a backup for veteran center Marcus Camby by tapping into their depth at power forward, believing that Evans would have struggled for minutes with Kenyon Martin expected to make his comeback from a second microfracture knee surgery and with Nene Hilario and George Karl favorite Eduardo Najera also ahead of him at the position. In Evans, Philadelphia lands one of the league's foremost per-minute rebounders. Evans offset his offensive limitations by averaging 7.0 boards in 17.1 minutes per game for the Nuggets last season and has a career average of 7.2 rebounds in just 19.9 minutes. If there's a risk for the 76ers, it's the foot injury suffered by starting center Samuel Dalembert while playing for Canada in the recent pre-Olympic qualifying tournament in Las Vegas. Yet Sixers president Billy King said last week that the club expects Dalembert to be ready for the start of training camp Oct. 2 in Durham, N.C. Dalembert started all 82 games last season. Hunter has been available via trade for well over a year, after the Sixers nearly dealt him to New Orleans in February 2006. The trade with the Hornets, halfway through Hunter's first season in Philadelphia, would have sent two second-round picks to Philadelphia but was rescinded by the Hornets because of unspecified health concerns. The 7-footer averaged 6.4 points and 4.8 minutes for the Sixers last season, playing 70 games and averaging 22.9 minutes. </p>
Evans should make a nice impact on Philly. They still need a low post threat, but Evans is a nice fit considering the stlye Philly is developing.</p>
It is now official</p> http://www.nba.com/nuggets/news/hunter_jon...ade_091007.html</p><div class="aLHeadlineViewIn">Nuggets Acquire Hunter, Jones from 76ers</div> <div class="aLSubheadViewIn">Evans, rights to Sanchez sent to Philadelphia</div> <div class="aLBylineViewIn"> </div> DENVER, Sept. 10 -- The Denver Nuggets have acquired C/F Steven Hunter and F Bobby Jones from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for F Reggie Evans and the draft rights to F Ricky Sanchez, team Vice President of Basketball Operations Mark Warkentien announced today. “We’re very pleased with this deal,” said Warkentien. “Steven is an athletic, 7-foot big man; a Mile High runner that can block shots. We think his presence will provide us with a more balanced roster. Bobby is an intriguing young player, who really played well at the end of the season. This move greatly helps us add depth at our center position while reducing our inventory of power forwards. Reggie played a valuable role for us during his time in Denver and we appreciate his professionalism.”</p> Hunter, 7-0, 240, played in 70 games for the 76ers last season, averaging career highs of 6.4 ppg and 4.8 rpg in 22.9 mpg. He also averaged 1.09 bpg, which ranked 27th in the NBA. Hunter has appeared in 360 regular season games over his six-year career with Orlando, Phoenix and Philadelphia, posting averages of 4.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 1.13 bpg. He has played in 22 career playoff games, averaging 3.0 ppg and 1.9 rpg. Hunter was originally drafted by the Magic in the first round (15th overall) of the 2001 NBA Draft after his sophomore season at DePaul.</p> Jones, 6-7, 215, appeared in 44 games as a rookie for the 76ers last year, averaging 2.5 ppg and 1.3 rpg in 7.6 mpg. He flourished at the end of the season when he received extended minutes, averaging 13.5 ppg (.575 FG) and 3.8 rpg in 31.0 mpg over Philadelphia’s final four games. He scored in double figures in each contest. He was originally drafted by Minnesota in the second round (37th overall) of the 2006 NBA Draft and subsequently traded to Philadephia.</p> Evans appeared in 92 games for the Nuggets after being acquired from Seattle on Feb. 23, 2006. He averaged 5.0 ppg and 7.5 rpg in those contests. He led the NBA in rebounds per 48 minutes last season (19.7).</p> Sanchez’s rights were acquired by the Nuggets along with the draft rights to Linas Kleiza in exchange for the draft rights to Jarrett Jack in a draft-day deal in 2005. He was the 35th overall pick of the 2005 NBA Draft.</p> </p>
wow, great trade by philly...and not too bad of a trade for Denver. Hunter could help out with the shotblocking when Camby isn't in the game (although he can't really do much of anything else well)
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Real)</div><div class='quotemain'>Wow, Sixers got rid of Hunter and got Evans in return? Nice move.</div></p> That was a very nice move. They got an outstanding rebounder, something that the Raptors could use.</p> </p>
now the nuggets wont have to shift Nene over to center if camby is in foul trouble, or resting on the bench. Great trade for both teams.
I like it for Philly, and I love that Reggie Evans is getting a real opportunity to play. He is undoubtedly one of the best rebounders in the NBA, and I never understood why coach Karl decreased his playing time as the season progressed.</p> From Denver's point of view, not bad. They got themselves a decent backup center who will fit in their up-tempo system. Bobby Jones also is an excellent perimeter defender, and certainly a smarter player than Diawara.</p> Overall, I think Philly won the trade, because they got themselves one of the top rebounders that fills a true need and has some experience in the league, yet isn't old. Evans is underrated, he will be an upgrade over what Joe Smith brought last season, and this will allow Jason Smith to come along steadily. </p>
Reggie is the man. He was my favorite player in Seattle from the first half-court trap he ran in preseason with Gary Payton. He is a rebounding machine. There will never be anyone on the court with him that wants the ball more than he does...except maybe Ben Wallace. Of course, the way he plays interior defense the EC better start wearing tougher athletic support gear.
Terrific trade for the Sixers, Reggie Evans is a very talented rebounder who'll do a terrific job replacing Samual Dalembert while he's out. Billy King has the Sixers headed in the right direction, I think we can expect at least 36 wins from this squad who finished 18-13 after the all-star break.
<font size="2">The Nuggets did this trade for financial reaons. Hunter is only due 10.416M over the three following seasons, including his player option in '09-'10, though he does have a trade kicker of 1.008M, though I imagine that the Sixers would pay. Jones is a good defender.</font>
I think the Sixers are adding unnecessary payroll when they should be cutting it for next offseason in which they can sign an impact player. This move does not make them playoff hopefuls. They are still among the lesser Eastern Conference teams. This move really just hurts their draft position and makes them less able to sign a franchise player in saturated market next summer.
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nba/...5694470,00.html</p><div class="headline_story">Nuggets shore up holes via trade with 76ers</div> <div id="right_column"> </div> <div class="byline">By Aaron J. Lopez, Rocky Mountain News September 10, 2007</div><div class="byline"></div> Shortly after hearing he had been traded from Philadelphia to Denver on Monday, Steven Hunter did a little research. What he discovered added to his enthusiasm about the move. </p> "I was checking out our schedule and we're going to be on national television 26 times, compared to zero for Philly," Hunter said. "It comes as a surprise, but it's a pleasant surprise. I'm playing for something again." </p> With one relatively straightforward transaction, the Nuggets not only made Hunter's day, but they addressed a number of issues. </p> They cleared a potential logjam at power forward, added a reliable backup center and gained some financial relief owner Stan Kroenke no doubt will appreciate. </p> All that in a trade that sent forward Reggie Evans and the rights to forward prospect Ricky Sanchez to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for center Hunter and forward Bobby Jones. </p> "The primary deal was the basketball stuff," Nuggets vice president of basketball operations Mark Warkentien said. "At this time of year, you're looking for a way to improve your team. </p> "In terms of centers, we're a little thin. It simply came down to what would we rather have: a legitimate backup center or a fourth power forward? The answer seemed pretty obvious." </p> In Hunter, the Nuggets received a 7-foot, 240-pound center who can run the floor, rebound and play defense in relief of Marcus Camby, the NBA's reigning Defensive Player of the Year. </p> Hunter, who will join his fifth team in six NBA seasons, averaged 6.4 points and 4.8 rebounds — both career highs — and 1.09 blocked shots in 70 games with Philadelphia last season. </p> "Playing against the Defensive Player of the Year every day in practice is going to be a great experience," Hunter said. "I'm definitely looking forward to the challenge." </p> Hunter, who will turn 26 on Oct. 31, also comes at a much lower price than Evans, who is due $19 million during the next four seasons. </p> Hunter has three years and $10.4 million remaining on his contract. </p> "It's unfortunate that my (salary) number and amounts worked out for Philly," Evans said. "Somebody had to go. Unfortunately, it was me. I'm not looking at it as a bad way. I'm looking at it the positive way." </p> Evans, 27, averaged 4.9 points and seven rebounds in 66 games last season but was relegated to the bench during the Nuggets' first-round playoff loss to the San Antonio Spurs. </p> "There's no hard feelings for the Denver Nuggets," he said. "I had fun playing with Marcus and (Carmelo Anthony). I was looking forward to this season with Denver because of (Allen Iverson). Unfortunately, it did not work out that way, so I have to take my focus to Philly." </p> Evans was one of four power forwards on the Nuggets roster, which is at 14 players after the trade. </p> By trading Evans, the Nuggets cast a vote of confidence on the health of power forwards Nene, Kenyon Martin and Eduardo Najera. Nene is recovering from a strained right calf; Martin is recovering from his second microfracture knee surgery in two years; and Najera often is a health hazard unto himself because of his hustling style of play. </p> As for Jones and Sanchez, both are long shots to start the season with their new teams. </p> The Nuggets likely will waive Jones, a defensive-oriented player who averaged 2.5 points and 1.3 rebounds as a rookie last season. He is due $687,456 if he is on the roster Oct. 1 but will receive only $200,000 if released before then. </p> Sanchez, the 35th pick in the 2005 draft, has yet to appear in an NBA game. He spent the past two seasons playing in the NBA Development League. </p> <span class="headline2">Money matters</span> </p> Before the Nuggets traded forward Reggie Evans to Philadelphia on Monday, their 2007-08 salary-cap number stood at nearly $83 million — well above the NBA luxury-tax threshold of $67,865,000. What the Nuggets will save during the next four seasons if Steven Hunter, left, plays out his contract and Bobby Jones is released. </p> Year Reggie Evans Steven Hunter Savings </p> 2007-08 $4.32 million $3,248,000 $1,072,000 </p> 2008-09 $4.64 million $3,472,000 $1,168,000 </p> 2009-10 $4.96 million $3,696,000 $1,264,000 </p> 2010-11 $5.08 million $5.08 million in cap space </p> Total $19 million $10,416,000 $8,384,000*<span class="smalltext">* Jones Is Guaranteed $200,000 Of His $687,456 Salary If Waived Before Oct. 1.</span> </p> </p>
http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_6856604</p> </p><div class="articleTitle">Trade builds for defense</div><div class="articleSubTitle">Denver deals Evans, gets backup center Hunter for shot blocking</div><div class="articleByline">By Chris Dempsey Denver Post Staff Writer</div><div class="articleDate">Article Last Updated: 09/11/2007 12:19:24 AM MDT</div> <span></span><span></span><span></span><div class="articleBody"><span></span> The Nuggets relieved a bit of a power forward glut and saved a few future dollars in the process Monday when they traded forward Reggie Evans to the Philadelphia 76ers. Evans was dealt along with the draft rights to forward Ricky Sanchez in exchange for center Steven Hunter and second- year forward Bobby Jones. </p> "We had at least four power forwards and didn't have a true backup center," Nuggets vice president of basketball operations Mark Warkentien said. "We took our inventory of forwards and turned it into a backup center that we think is really good for our needs." </p> Hunter, who has played for three teams in six seasons, had his best season last season as a member of the 76ers with career-high averages of 6.4 points and 4.8 rebounds. He also blocked 1.1 shots per game. </p> "That shot-blocking thing is big for us," Warkentien said. "While we have a lot of 'bigs,' we had a limited amount of shot-blocking ability. Our shot-blocking ability just improved markedly." </p> Warkentien insisted Monday's move was basketball- driven, but acknowledged that the organization will save some money in the long term. </p> The Nuggets should save about $1 million each of the next three years and $5 million in the fourth, which would have been the last year of Evans' contract. Evans was scheduled to make more than $18 million in the next four years. Hunter will cost around $10 million over the next three. </p> "All that (money) stuff is at the end of the year," Warkentien said. "Basketball drove this. We think we're a better team. ... The fact is, in long- term dollars we do save, but the clear driving force was basketball-wise. We had four (power forwards) and one center, and obviously there's a finite amount of minutes, 48 to be exact, at power forward. What could we turn that into?" </p> Evans averaged 7.5 rebounds in two seasons with the Nuggets. </p> Footnotes </p> Former Nugget DerMarr Johnson has officially signed a deal to play with Benetton Treviso in Italy. ... Nuggets teammates Linas Kleiza (Lithuania) and Yakhouba Diawara (France) faced off Monday in the EuroBasket tournament being held in Spain. Lithuania won 88-73 in Madrid to improve to 4-0 in the tournament. </p></div>
I never understood why the Nuggets acquired Reggie Evans in the first place. This team is built on speed and finishing around the rim. Evans is a fantastic rebounder on a per minute basis, but he didn't have much opportunity to play or contribute in Denver. </p> I'm not a big Steven Hunter fan, but at least Denver shed a little cap room with this trade. Despite the lower salary, the Nuggets are still looking at paying a hefty luxury tax penalty with all the money tied up in AI, Melo, KMart, Nene and Camby.</p> I don't think the Nuggets are done yet with fire selling some of their big men. Miami looks like a team to target to dump KMart or Nene on. They haven't improved at all in the offseason and could be desperate enough to gamble on either KMart or Nene. The Heat have Jason Williams $8+M expiring contract. </p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (shapecity)</div><div class='quotemain'> I never understood why the Nuggets acquired Reggie Evans in the first place. This team is built on speed and finishing around the rim. Evans is a fantastic rebounder on a per minute basis, but he didn't have much opportunity to play or contribute in Denver. </p> I'm not a big Steven Hunter fan, but at least Denver shed a little cap room with this trade. Despite the lower salary, the Nuggets are still looking at paying a hefty luxury tax penalty with all the money tied up in AI, Melo, KMart, Nene and Camby. </p> I don't think the Nuggets are done yet with fire selling some of their big men. Miami looks like a team to target to dump KMart or Nene on. They haven't improved at all in the offseason and could be desperate enough to gamble on either KMart or Nene. The Heat have Jason Williams $8+M expiring contract. </p></div> Ownership has no plans for a fire sale. It is one of the worst urban legends about the NBA today. </p> All of the luxury tax projections were given to Stan Kroenke during the negotiations for the AI deal and he signed off on them. Sure, management is making small moves to relieve some of the commitment, but a very reliable Nuggets insider has repeated time and time again that there isn't going to be a fire sale.</p> Additionally, Nene isn't going anywhere. The Nuggets value him very highly and don't view him as someone to dump. If a team was willing to give the Nuggets relief for Kenyon, they'd take it in a heartbeat, but there isn't a chance of that happening until he proves that he can play again and then it will still be a slim chance.</p> As for why the Nuggets acquired Reggie Evans and then resigned him was because the front office believes very highly in his rebounding skills. The problem was that Karl doesn't want to play him so they moved him.</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Ownership has no plans for a fire sale. It is one of the worst urban legends about the NBA today. All of the luxury tax projections were given to Stan Kroenke during the negotiations for the AI deal and he signed off on them. Sure, management is making small moves to relieve some of the commitment, but a very reliable Nuggets insider has repeated time and time again that there isn't going to be a fire sale.</p> Additionally, Nene isn't going anywhere. The Nuggets value him very highly and don't view him as someone to dump. If a team was willing to give the Nuggets relief for Kenyon, they'd take it in a heartbeat, but there isn't a chance of that happening until he proves that he can play again and then it will still be a slim chance.</p> As for why the Nuggets acquired Reggie Evans and then resigned him was because the front office believes very highly in his rebounding skills. The problem was that Karl doesn't want to play him so they moved him.</p> </div></p> Thanks for the insider news. Overspending on role players and potential has become the kiss of death for NBA franchises. The Nuggets should have learned from the mistakes of several teams trying to BUY a title, instead of being savvy with their spending. </p> From my point of view I don't see how the Nuggets can put together a Championship team with the Melo/AI combination without unloading one of their big men. Camby is always a question mark healthwise, and as he goes this team will go. Paying franchise type money for three players doesn't leave much left to round your team out. Stanley Kroenke is a billionaire with deep pockets, but teams who can manage cap and play by the "money ball" rules are the ones in position to compete for titles. </p> You can't start all three players, Nene, KMart, and Camby at the same time. The Nuggets will have one of the most expensive backups off the bench. Not to mention another $8M combined investment in both Najera and Hunter. </p> You're right, KMart will be next to impossible to trade unless he shows he can play again, and Denver finds a desperate team to dump him on while his trade value gets a pulse again. </p> </p>
You have to remember the current Nuggets FO has only been in place 1 season. Kiki was the one that traded for Kenyon and vetoed a couple of trades involving him
We might be paying a lot of money for our players, but in my opinion, we have the best frontcourt in the NBA BY FAR. A hall of fame gaurd and some good role players. I think we will be very serious contenders this year.
