Nuggets go K-Mart shopping

Denver, CO (Basketball News) - The Denver Nuggets acquired All-Star power forward Kenyon Martin from the New Jersey Nets Thursday in a sign-and-trade deal for three future first-round picks.

Martin, a restricted free agent and a former No. 1 overall pick himself, joins a talented frontcourt in Denver that includes Carmelo Anthony, Nene, and Marcus Camby.

"Kenyon is a great player who played a pivotal role in our success over the past three seasons," said Nets CEO Rod Thorn. "He is a terrific guy and we wish him nothing but continued success in the near future."

Selected first in the 2000 NBA Draft, Martin was an integral part of the New Jersey team that went to the NBA Finals in back-to-back years in 2002 and 2003, forming an impressive triple threat with Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson.

With Jefferson also due for a contract extension in the near future, the Nets apparently decided that having the threesome all under multi-year contracts was too much of a burden on their salary cap. Kidd signed a maximum-value contract last summer.

The Nuggets were set to sign Martin to an offer sheet, but chose to pursue a sign-and-trade deal primarily for two reasons. First, they could only sign Martin to a six-year contract, one year less than New Jersey could offer.

Secondly, there would have been a 15-day waiting period for the Nets to match any offer, forcing Denver to wait around and possibly watch other free agents to go by the wayside.

"This was an extremely difficult decision for our franchise, but I felt that the magnitude of the contract, both in its first year due to the signing bonus as well as over its duration, would seriously impair our ability to sign enough quality players," Thorn added. "This core group of players has had an amazing run over the past few years, and we will work diligently toward once again competing for an NBA title."

The draft picks the Nets received include one of the Nuggets’ own picks, along with two choices from a pool of three formerly belonging to the Los Angeles Clippers , Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers .

Martin averaged 16.7 points and 9.4 rebounds in 65 games last year with the Nets. He also sports career averages of 15.1 points and 7.6 boards in his four years in the league.