By: Tyler Ward
A source confirmed tonight that the Denver Nuggets have signed forward Al Harrington to a 5-year/$34 million deal.
The Dallas Mavericks had interest in Harrington, but was only offering him a two-year deal at the mid-level exception, but the offer was too rich for him not to accept. Even though his contract is set at the mid-level exception, his agent convinced the Nuggets to sign him to a long term deal. Harrington said last week that he had a "good five years left." His Denver had to somehow pull off the Harrington signing, as their Western Conference opponent, Dallas, acquired big man Tyson Chandler from Charlotte earlier in the day.
The signing of Harrington was much needed, as the Nuggets expect PF Kenyon Martin and C Chris "Birdman" Andersen to miss the start of the season due to multiple surgeries. Harrington will more than likely be put into the starting rotation at the start of the season, playing alongside Nene.
Denver had also expressed interest in signing Jermaine O'Neal and Udonis Haslem, but they are both off the market - O'Neal signed with Boston and Haslem re-signed with Miami. After losing out on both players, they felt that they had to have somebody that can play power forward.
This was a great signing by Denver because they get a player that can score and rebound very well. With the injuries already at two, the Nuggets had to have someone like Harrington. He is also very athletic for his height and can take advantage by driving to the rim. Harrington has also always had a decent shot and can be a good complement to Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups.
