The Nuggets didn't waste any time in taking care of their top offseason priority.
The Nuggets desperately wanted to re-sign center Chris Andersen, which they did on the first day free agents could sign. Andersen got a five-year deal that starts at about $3.7 million and will be worth at least $21 million. With incentives, the deal could be worth as much as $26 million. "We're thrilled to be able to bring Chris back," said Nuggets vice president of basketball operations Mark Warkentien. "He was a big part of our success last season and we believe he will be a big part of our future success as well. We love his energy and hustle and we know Nuggets fans echo that sentiment."
Andersen signed a minimum contract with the Nuggets last July not long after returning in March 2008 from a two-year NBA drug suspension. He took advantage of his second chance by finishing second in the NBA in blocked shots.
Signing Andersen, though, makes it very likely the Nuggets will start the 2009-10 season in luxury-tax territory. With the tax line having been set at $69.92 million, Denver has 10 players committed for next season and the contract for since-waived Antonio McDyess still on the books totaling about $74 million. And the Nuggets still have three roster spots to fill.
The Nuggets still have four unsigned free agents left in guards Anthony Carter and Jason Hart, forward Linas Kleiza and center Johan Petro. Guard Dahntay Jones was another free agent, but he left the Nuggets for Indiana.
