Nuggets want to build on core, keep Afflalo

There won't be a Game 6 against Oklahoma City, so the Nuggets spent Thursday looking forward, with many hoping they are a big part of Denver's future.

"In my eyes, I'm here," said shooting guard Arron Afflalo, who is a restricted free agent and hopes to sign a long-term contract with the Nuggets this summer. "That's the plan. At this point, that's how I'm moving forward."

Others, including unrestricted free agent J.R. Smith, said they would be open to re-signing with Denver but would explore other options.

The Nuggets went 18-7 down the stretch after the megatrade of Carmelo Anthony to the New York Knicks. Nuggets executive Masai Ujiri would like to build off that momentum.

"We're going to try to keep the core together and build from here," he said. "That's the goal."

Asked specifically about Afflalo, an off guard who averaged 12.6 points per game in a breakout season, Ujiri said there's "no question" he will be a Nugget for years to come.

Ujiri also said he's had positive talks with forward Wilson Chandler about staying in Denver. Chandler, a restricted free agent, struggled in his first-ever postseason. He was comfortable in the Knicks' system and is willing to look at other options, but the Nuggets like his game and his potential to improve at age 23.

When asked if unrestricted free agents Smith and Kenyon Martin could both re-sign, Ujiri said: "I don't see why not. It's early in the process."

"Am I excited about our future? Yes, I am," Ujiri said. "It's about building a winning culture. And I can happily say that we're a little bit on our way to getting there."