A source close to the situation said in the preseason the team offered Karl a one-year extension of $3 million (his current salary, not including incentives), but Karl declined to sign it, hoping for more long-term security in order to stay in Denver. Yahoo Sports first reported the one-year offer Wednesday.

There's no indication at this point the Nuggets will be offering a multiyear deal anytime soon, though Karl has been successful.

As for negotiations during the season, "The only thing he's focused on is making sure the team shows effort, and (he's) putting them in position to win games every night," said agent Warren LeGarie, who represents Karl.

During the preseason, Karl told The Post that he'd bet he will coach somewhere in 2010-11 and, in reference to his desire for a contract extension, said: "I hope somewhere along the way there's a statement of some sort of their philosophy of the organization, but that doesn't have to be made tomorrow."

At least two NBA jobs will likely be open next summer - New Jersey and New Orleans - because both teams are currently coached by general managers who fired their coaches this season.

The Nuggets will look to bounce back tonight against Detroit, following a 107-95 loss at Charlotte on Tuesday. Then it's back to Denver for a Saturday game against the Suns, a matchup of two of the top teams in the conference.

Benjamin Hochman: 303-954-1294 or bhochman@denverpost.com