http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2008/01/31/expect-a-ron-artest-trade-sometime-soon/ Expect a Ron Artest Trade Sometime Soon Posted Jan 31st 2008 10:00AM by Matt Watson Filed under: Nuggets, Kings, Western, NBA Rumors, Denver Considering Ron Artest has already admitted that he's going to opt-out of his contract this summer and doesn't foresee a long-term future in Sacramento, it's not surprising to read that the Kings are contemplating trading him before February's deadline. On Wednesday, Kings GM Geoff Petrie coyly admitted as much to Sam Amick of the Sacramento Bee: When asked of the latest status of trade talks, Petrie said, "They say 'Where there's sparks, there's fire?' Well we're still at the stage where you're rubbing two sticks together." Has the phone been ringing more, he was asked? "A little bit," he answered. Where might he end up? Amick thinks a swap with Denver involving Nene might work out, which sounds reasonable to me. Nene is currently recovering from testicular cancer but his prognosis for next season and beyond looks good, and he could be the physical presence the Kings need inside. As for Artest, he'd add an interesting wrinkle to Denver's roster. The Nuggets are known for their high-octane offense, but come playoff time, having a pair of defensive stoppers in Marcus Camby and Artest would make the Nuggets an extremely formidable foe.
I know we say this every year but DAMN the west is just getting ridiculous There are strong teams EVERYWHERE and the very few weak teams in the west are just helping the middle of the pack get even stronger. This is just not looking good for the Rockets.
I think the Nuggest and the Kings are gonna pull the trigger on this one. Nene for Artest. http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/676033.html The Kings are believed to have had recent discussions with Denver regarding Artest, and could possibly be pursuing forward Nene Hilario. While Artest will make $7.4 million this season, the trade would work as it falls within the league rules of contracts coming within 20 percent of one another as Nene – in his sixth season – will earn $8.84 million this season in his contract that goes through 2011 with a player option for the 2011-12 campaign. Hilario, though, is battling testicular cancer and hasn't played since Jan. 7.
You think so? I think putting Melo, AI, and Artest on it is the recipe for a disaster. They should trade for Sheed and SJax while they're at it.
wow that would be an excellent trade for the nuggets. nene seems like he is always hurt and has under performed. also, they gave him that horrible contract. this trade gives them a potential top level player AND they get rid of nene's contract. win-win situation for the nuggs. and even if artest doesn't work out then it is just a win situation for them getting that contract off their books. insane stuff going on in the west!
That's true, it could blow up in their face. But right now I don't think the Nuggets have the talent to win a championship. Right now AI and Melo just aren't enough. Artest could take it up a notch. I think they could coexist for at least a season. It's worth a shot, the West is too tough. If worse comes to worst, Artest is a great bargaining chip to have if it doesn't work out. But to further your point, I would love to see the drama that comes out of this, if it comes to a boiling point.
I have Artest in fantasy; how is he supposed to score on the Nuggets? On the plus side, I also have Francisco Garcia and this should open the door for more playing time for him.
I don't. Don't get me wrong, it's been discussed (as well as a different deal for Artest), but the Nugs are pursuing a higher target right now from what I hear.
Didnt Artest want to get out of Indy because he wasnt the "man." I doubt he be happy in Denver taking 5 shots a game.
What a stupid trade for the Kings. Exactly what has Nene done so far? You can't get anyone better than freakin Nene for Artest? What a joke.
That's the All Smoking Gun team right there, almost like a comic book. Should be fun ... Heat-Packer Psycho Fan-Killer Anti-Snitch Mr. Fugazy Ferry-Puncher
Nene sucks. He has a huge contract. He's just recovering from serious surgery. Why would anyone want him?
