Nuggets hope to trim Clippers' roster By Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News July 3, 2003 The Denver Nuggets' raid of the Clippers' ship has begun in full force. Corey Maggette, a Clippers restricted free-agent swingman, visited Denver on Wednesday and came away very impressed. And Andre Miller, a Clippers restricted free-agent point guard, said he will visit Tuesday. The Nuggets have about $18 million in salary-cap room, enough to sign two or three Clippers players. Other coveted free agents on the team are center Michael Olowokandi, who is unrestricted, and forwards Elton Brand and Lamar Odom, both restricted. "It's a great opportunity," Maggette said shortly before taking a plane to his hometown of Chicago. "They're trying to do big things in Denver. It was great meeting with Kiki (Vandeweghe, the general manager) and Jeff Weltman (assistant general manager who previously was with the Clippers) and the other guys. I love the facilities. I love everything about Denver." Maggette said the Nuggets are his top choice, although the Clippers - as is the case with restricted free agents - would have 15 days to match any offer sheet. The Nuggets have to be hoping Miller feels the same way. "They said I'm their No. 1 point guard," Miller said in a telephone interview from his home in Sacramento, Calif. Miller said he did not know which Nuggets official made that comment. A conference call was held Wednesday involving Miller, his agent, Lon Babby, Vandeweghe, Weltman and Nuggets assistant general manager David Fredman. "The point guard position is definitely our top priority," said Vandeweghe, when asked about Miller's comment. "Andre is one of the top point guards." The Nuggets also are looking at Golden State restricted free-agent point guard Gilbert Arenas. Dan Fegan, Arenas' agent, said Wednesday that no visit has been set up between Arenas and the Nuggets. "I haven't gotten to Arenas," said Fegan, who represents many high-profile NBA players. Also Wednesday, Bill Duffy, the agent for Olowokandi, said no visit has been set up between his client and the Nuggets. He is hopeful the sides soon will get together. NBA teams could begin negotiating with players Tuesday, although they can't be signed until July 16. Nuggets officials wasted no time as free agency began. Vandeweghe, Fredman, Weltman and head coach Jeff Bzdelik all flew Monday night to Miami, and met Tuesday morning with Miami center Alonzo Mourning. Maggette was the first free agent to visit Denver. He arrived Tuesday night and was given a grand tour Wednesday. He looked over the Pepsi Center, and Vandeweghe gave him a ride around Denver. The two dined at a Cherry Creek cafe. "The facilities are great," Maggette said. "They remind me of Dallas. Actually, I think they're better than Dallas. It was a great experience. Hopefully, they'll make a decision, and I'll be here." Maggette, who figures to command a first-year salary in the $5 million to $6 million range, said the Nuggets will get back to him next week, and he is optimistic about signing an offer sheet around July 16. Vandeweghe declined to comment on Maggette's visit. Maggette said Nuggets officials talked about he and Carmelo Anthony, taken with the No. 3 pick in last week's draft, being interchangeable at shooting guard and small forward. But somebody is needed to get the ball to the two. Miller has plenty of experience in that area. He led the NBA with an average of 10.9 assists in 2001-02 with Cleveland. Miller dropped to 6.7 assists last season, but there were explanations, one being that so many Clippers were playing for contracts that ball movement often was stifled. "I'm emphasizing to teams what he did in the three years before last year," Babby said. Babby is optimistic about having Miller sign an offer sheet around July 16, but ultimately he said it will be "up to what Andre wants to do." The other primary suitor for Miller, who figures to command a salary similar to Maggette's, is Utah. Miller said he likely will fly to Utah for a visit the day after he is in Denver. Miller played in college at the University of Utah, but said the field is wide open. "I'm looking forward to going to Denver and looking around," Miller said. "I'm interested." How much forward Juwan Howard is interested in returning to Denver remains to be seen. A source last week told the Rocky Mountain News that Howard, an unrestricted free agent after leading the Nuggets in scoring last season with a 18.4 average, is "long gone." Howard said Wednesday in an interview with Sporting News Radio that he is keeping his options open. "I have heard talk that the Lakers are interested," Howard said. "Now is the time to start talking to teams and negotiating. We have had some conversations, but nothing is etched in stone. I am not trying to go out and go with the highest bidder. "It's about being in the right situation where I have a chance to win. Denver is trying every way possible to bring a winner to the franchise and I am taking a look and see what they do. But I am also taking a look at other teams." There at least would be one benefit for the Nuggets if Howard left. They would have money to sign more Clippers. If Nuggets do get them, It'll be... Olowakandi /Camby Hilario /Tskitishvili/Harvey Carmelo /Yarbrough Maggette /Harrington Miller /Williams Guess Denver won't be such a regular-season "break" anymore.....
