Chauncey Billups unfazed by trade rumours
After Carmelo Anthony, it is Chauncey Billups’ turn.
Billups has been surrounded by trade rumours after several team reportedly talked with the Denver Nuggets about the availability of the veteran point guard, but the 34-year-old and former
Colorado standout is not bothered by the talks.
Billups' contract can be bought out for $3.7 million after this season and that is making him an attractive piece for rebuilding teams, but he said that he is focused in their campaign this
season, and has expressed his intention of signing an extension with the Nuggets.
“I never want to leave here again,” said Billups, who is averaging 13.8 points and 4.7 rebounds per game this season. “I want to be a Nugget for the rest of my career, whether that's four,
five years, whatever. They know that.”
However, if the new front office of the Nuggets decides to go in a different direction, especially if they lose Carmelo Anthony, Billups said that he would understand the situation and respect
the organization’s decision, although he is hoping that Denver will not just let go of him after contributing a lot to the team for the past two seasons.
“I know how this business goes,” said Billups. “I respect the process. At the same time, I know what I have done to change the culture around here. I am not a me-me guy, but I know the position
of the state of the franchise before I got here. I hope that doesn't go unappreciated.”
Billups also added that he is not interested to play in a rebuilding team, something that is in the plan of Denver executives Josh Kroenke and Masai Ujiri. “I don't want to rebuild. They
know that and I don't think that they want to do that,” he said. “I've had some conversations with Josh and Masai. I think that they want to win. I do not think they are looking to win six to seven years down the line. I don't have that kind of time.”
The Colorado-native, Billups, who had a sort of home-coming when he was traded by the Pistons for the expiring contract of Allen Iverson in the 2008-09 season, was named to the all-star team
for the past five seasons and he led the Nuggets to Western Conference finals in his first season with the team.
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