BRA - Nene to pen new deal with Nuggets

RIO DE JANEIRO (NBA) - It was a good weekend for the Denver Nuggets` Brazilian big man Nene.

The 6ft 11in star got married on Saturday in Rio De Janeiro, and on Sunday took a phonecall from his agent telling him he was $60million richer after clinching a new six-year deal with the Nuggets. The Denver Post has reported that the forward-center, who is a restricted free agent, will sign the contract on July 12 - the first day players can sign.

Nene, 23, had an injury-blighted season last year after tearing his ACL on Opening Night. He will miss the FIBA World Championship as a result. In all, Nene has missed 108 games in the last two seasons through injury, but the Nuggets are nevertheless willing to show faith in his long-term health.

He has averaged 10.7 points and 6.2 rebounds in 213 games for the Nuggets, having signed for them four years ago. It is the second big contract extension in two days for the Nuggets, after they agreed a maximum $80million, five-year deal with Carmelo Anthony which will start in the 2007-08 season.

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