Thunder trade Petro to Nuggets for first-rounder, Atkins

By being under the cap, the Nuggets can also go into the draft deadline thinking strictly about moves to improve themselves on the court, not just in the pocketbook.

On Monday, the Nuggets sent center Cheikh Samb of Senegal, whom they had acquired in the Iverson deal, and cash considerations to the Clippers for a conditional second-round draft pick. That deal put Denver under the luxury tax threshold.

This latest deal gives them enough leeway to make sure they're not going to inch above it through bonus payouts. Additionally, if they stay beneath the benchmark after the trade deadline, they'll be a benefactor to the tune of up to $3 million instead of being one of the big dollar-for-dollar contributors.

That's about as much the Nuggets, who also sent cash to the Thunder, could have expected to get for Atkins, a 34-year-old point guard who missed last season (groin, hernia surgery) and wasn't getting the minutes he needed to show prospective suitors that he still has NBA skills.

"Chucky's going to provide some veteran leadership that balances out our roster," Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks said.

The Thunder now have three first-round picks in this year's draft and two in the 2010 draft, thanks to some creative deals by general manager Sam Presti. He got two first-round picks -- including one used last year -- from the Suns in a deal that brought Kurt Thomas to Seattle, and then another when he sent Thomas to the Spurs last season.

"As a team that's continuing to build and continuing to grow, having the flexibility of the additional first-round picks helps us either add talent or facilitate potential trades," Presti said.

Atkins joins a backcourt that's going through a youth movement, after rookie Russell Westbrook -- the No. 4 overall draft pick last year -- replaced veteran Earl Watson as the starting point guard. He and Kyle Weaver, another rookie, could both be backups at either guard position.

"Chucky brings experience and the ability to stretch the floor to our basketball team," Presti said. "We're excited to be able to add him and feel like he's someone that's going to advance our development as we move forward."

Karl said Atkins was such a pro that he "helped us win games this year without playing. That's a coach's delight. Having a pro that involved in games, that involved in the locker room. Very few days did he go to the dark side of moping about not playing, moping about not getting the opportunity. I tip my hat to Chucky. I wish him the best."