Gay wants a five-year deal worth between $50 million and $60 million, nowhere close to a max contact of $80 million plus. Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley said he's not paying the max but believes the offer he made to Gay is generous.

"No question we have a high appreciation for Rudy and his talent," Heisley said. "But how do you get to the right deal? If you're asking me am I willing to pay as much as I can possibly pay, no. That's not appropriate in today's financial climate."

Gay is hoping his agent, Jeff Austin, can get a deal done. If not, Gay isn't sweating it.

"If it happens, it happens," Gay said. "My focus is playing games like (Friday night) and getting wins."

NUGGETS 133, GRIZZLIES 123: The Grizzlies began a five-game West Coast road swing with a 40-point first quarter and with 13 assists in the period, one shy of the Grizzlies' record for most assists in a quarter. They were almost able to match the scoring of Carmelo Anthony, who had 42 points compared to second-year Grizzlies guard O.J. Mayo's career-high 40 points. Memphis started fast by making its first 11 of 12 shots, but Denver grabbed the lead in the second quarter against the Grizzlies' weak, inexperienced bench.