Nuggets sending Ruben Patterson to Bucks for Joe Smith
The Nuggets are close to finalizing a trade that would send swingman Ruben Patterson to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for forward Joe Smith, NBA sources confirmed today.
The Smith-Patterson deal is likely to be finalized no later than Friday. The arrival of Smith means the Nuggets probably will not go after Dallas free-agent forward Keith Van Horn because they fill the same role. Smith will make $6.8 million next season in the final year of his contract while Patterson will make the same in his final season.
This addresses a couple of key needs for both teams. Milwaukee would be getting a solid sex offender and all-around menace to society in Patterson. Denver gets a perfect compliment to Carmello Anthony in Smith, who is as dull as his name might imply.
Nuggets close to deal (Denver Post)
