From Nene's stern statements to George Karl's subtle suggestions, it was understood the Denver Nuggets desperately needed another big man, the Denver Post reported.

Help is on the way from Oklahoma City. On Wednesday, Denver acquired 7-foot reserve center Johan Petro and the Thunder's 2009 second-round pick for reserve guard Chucky Atkins, Denver's first-round pick in 2009 and cash considerations. The 22-year-old Frenchman averages 4.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. He led the Thunder in the preseason with 8.0 rebounds per game.

"You have four to five teams out West where there's a 10-15 minute window you want to play a (reserve) big guy," Karl said. "You've got Portland who plays big, Lakers who play big, Shaquille (O'Neal of Phoenix) is always a factor. . . . (Reserve) Chris Andersen is good, but he's a skinny big."

Andersen was Denver's only backup big man, and starters Nene and Kenyon Martin have battled injuries in the past. Karl said Petro should be available for Friday's game.

Denver slipped under the NBA luxury tax ($71.15 million) with Monday's trade of Cheikh Samb, and this trade helps - Atkins' salary is $3.2 million and Petro's is $1.9 million. The Thunder utilized a trade exception to balance it out.

"I think the window of opportunity to make (another) trade that will impact our team is now better by being under the tax," Karl said.

Source: Denver Post