With center Mikki Moore likely no longer an option, the Nuggets are hoping Oklahoma City buys out forward Joe Smith, enabling Denver to pursue him. He must be bought out by Sunday to be playoff eligible.

Moore's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said the Nuggets have a "ton of interest" in his client. But the Nuggets expect Moore, who is expected to clear waivers today, to sign with Boston.

Bartelstein said Moore will make a final decision today, with Dallas, New Orleans and San Antonio also candidates.

Sacramento last week waived Moore and guard Sam Cassell. The Nuggets have interest in Cassell, who is expected soon to talk with Nuggets coach George Karl.

Bartelstein said he has talked with the Nuggets about Scot Pollard and Aaron Williams, two free-agent big-men clients inactive this season. But a source, while saying Denver wants to add a player in the next week, called them unlikely.

NENE OUT

While Karl anticipates injured center Nene will be out at least this week, a source said two weeks is the most likely scenario.

There was relief Monday when a magnetic resonance imaging exam confirmed Nene has no structural damage and only a right knee bone bruise. Nene banged knees Sunday with Milwaukee's Richard Jefferson.

"The way he went down, we didn't know what to expect," teammate Carmelo Anthony said.

Karl said doctors want "to get the soreness and swelling out" and more will be known in a few days. Nene is scheduled for exams Wednesday and Friday and likely will do court work next week.