According to Marc Stein of ESPN (great insider for the Mavericks), the Nuggets have agreed to send a future second round draft pick to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Rudy Fernandez and Corey Brewer. The Nuggets had previously flirted with Brewer during the Carmelo Anthony trade, but instead added Kosta Koufos from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Fernandez is entering the final year of his rookie deal. He is set to make $2.1 million this season and has a $3.1 million qualifying offer for the 2012-13 season.
Brewer on the other hand is locked up through the 2012-13 season. He's set to make just over $3 million this season and $3.2 million next season.
Fernandez is a 6’6” shooting guard who has averaged 9.1 points per game throughout his career. In his three NBA seasons however, he has seen his PPG drop from his rookie season of 10.4 ppg to 8.6 ppg last season with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Fernandez has a tricky attitude as his role with the Blazers was never a steady one. He averaged just 24.1 minutes per game during his career in Portland and was often involved in rumors being unhappy with his role with the team. Fernandez is a star in his homeland of Spain and has enjoyed a fine international career. He’s just 26 years-old and will turn 27 years-old in April. He’s probably best remembered by Nuggets fans for the time when Chris Andersen tattooed “Spalding” to his face and for his memorable duels with J.R. Smith. Swish and Fernandez didn’t seem to have a lot of love for one another and a few times looked like they could come to blows on the court.
Brewer on the other hand is a 6'9'' shooting guard or small forward with a wiry frame and a knack for playing tough defense who has averaged 8.0 points per game. He was a part of a couple great Florida Gator teams that won back-to-back championships. He hasn't quite found the success he was supposed to have in the NBA, as he bounced around in obscurity in Minnesota. During his 13 game run with the Mavs last season, he did show signs of his defense prowess and a knack for knocking down the long ball. Not a great shooter or scorer, Brewer his very athletic and really needs a breakout 5th season. Just 25 years-old (26 in March) there is still room for improvement.
Hopefully both players will find a role with the Nuggets. I can’t see George Karl having a long string with Fernandez and he probably will get a pretty good inside scoop on him from his friend and former player Nate McMillan, who coached Rudy in Portland. Brewer’s ability to play multiple positions should go a long way in him seeing some time on the floor ahead of rookie Jordan Hamilton, but it could be a good battle in practice.
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