Nets, Nuggets complete Martin trade for 3 No. 1s

Kenyon Martin was traded Thursday from the New Jersey Nets to the Denver Nuggets for three future first-round draft picks, a deal that strengthens Denver's frontcourt and weakens New Jersey's chances to stay among the elite teams in the Eastern Conference.

The deal was the result of several days of on-and-off talks, the Nuggets successfully resisting New Jersey president Rod Thorn's efforts to acquire Nene as a replacement for Martin at power forward.

"Any time you have a chance to add a player of the stature of Martin, somebody who has been to the finals, who has been an All-Star, who plays with the ferocity that he plays with, that is an opportunity you really can't pass up," Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe said. "We are very, very lucky to have been in a position to take advantage of his being available."

The draft picks include one of the Nuggets' own, a pick formerly belonging to the Los Angeles Clippers and another previously owned by Philadelphia.

The transaction is a sign-and-trade deal in which Martin inked a seven-year contract and then was immediately shipped to the Nuggets.

"This was an extremely difficult decision for our franchise," Thorn said. "This core group of players has had an amazing run over the past few years, and we will work diligently toward once again competing for an NBA title."

Denver was able to take on Martin without having to trade any payroll back because it is far enough under the cap to absorb Martin's first-year salary — nearly $11 million if Martin gets the maximum amount allowed under collective bargaining rules.

SPURS RE-SIGN GINOBILI: The San Antonio Spurs re-signed guard Manu Ginobili, a move general manager R.C. Buford said was the team's top offseason priority.

The Spurs didn't disclose terms of the contract in a news release. The San Antonio Express-News said the Spurs had offered Ginobili a six-year contract worth $52 million. San Antonio also signed free agent guard Brent Barry, who joins the fifth team of his 10-year NBA career.

Ginobili, 26, has spent his first two seasons with San Antonio, averaging 10.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists. He finished third in the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year voting last season after averaging 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists.

PACERS DEAL HARRINGTON: Stephen Jackson had wanted to play for the Indiana Pacers for two years. On Thursday, he finally got his wish.