Originally published Thursday, January 8, 2009 at 12:00 AM

NBA Notebook | Thunder deals 7-foot Johan Petro

The Denver Nuggets pulled off another deal Wednesday that had both owner Stan Kroenke and coach George Karl smiling. The resurgent Nuggets, who...

By The Associated Press

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DENVER — The Denver Nuggets pulled off another deal Wednesday that had both owner Stan Kroenke and coach George Karl smiling.

The resurgent Nuggets, who have been building momentum ever since sending Allen Iverson and his big contract to Detroit for Chauncey Billups two months ago, sent point guard Chucky Atkins and a protected first-round pick in this summer to Oklahoma City for center Johan Petro and the Thunder's second-round pick this year.

The 7-foot Petro has averaged 4.6 points and 4.3 rebounds in 22 games with the Thunder. The Paris native was the 25th overall selection in the 2005 draft by the Sonics.

The trade makes just as much sense for the rebuilding Thunder, which potentially gets a third first-round draft pick this summer along with Atkins.

As long as the Nuggets make the playoffs, the Thunder will get their first-round pick next season. If it's a lottery pick, however, the Nuggets keep it and owe Oklahoma City a first-rounder down the road.

With an NBA-worst 5-30 record, the Thunder has an eye on its future — and Petro wasn't a part of it. He got a chance to be a starter earlier this season in Oklahoma City, but didn't pan out and the team signed restricted free agent Nenad Krstic last week to replace him.

The Thunder now has three first-round picks in this year's draft and two in the 2010 draft.

Notes

• Center Andrew Bogut missed the Bucks' game against Philadelphia because of back spasms that coach Scott Skiles acknowledged aren't getting much better.

• The Grizzlies waived forward Darius Miles, who was trying to make a comeback after a two-year absence after knee surgery.

• Shaquille O'Neal missed the Suns' game Wednesday night because of back pain.

• Tests showed Lamar Odom's right knee injury is not serious, and the Lakers forward is day to day. An MRI revealed a bone bruise.

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