Though a deal isn't done, amicable negotiations are going pretty well between the Nuggets and representatives of free agent Chris Andersen.
"The Birdman" is the Nuggets' top free-agent priority, and both sides are hammering out a fair multiyear deal. Andersen's camp is hoping for a deal around $25 million for five years. The Nuggets are hoping to backload the contract and have Andersen make around $3 million next season, an NBA source said. Denver is currently close to the $71.15 luxury tax line from last season, and it's possible, with the signing of Andersen and perhaps others with lesser contracts, that the team could start the season with a payroll around $77 million (teams can then spend the season to trim salaries toward the luxury tax line by every June 1). The Lakers, Rockets and Spurs have recently made moves to propel themselves above the line, which means they have to double every dollar above it.
Denver is also in talks with the Suns' Grant Hill, a possible free-agent signee, although Hill and his family enjoy the Phoenix community. Hill made around $4 million over the past two seasons.
Teams can agree to contracts but cannot have them signed until Wednesday.
Benjamin Hochman, The Denver Post
