NUGGETS BIRDMAN GETS A 5 YEAR DEAL

Chris "Birdman" Andersen has reached a five-year deal to keep his high-flying, shot-blocking act with the Denver Nuggets, the team he revived his career with last season. Andersen, who turned 31 on Tuesday, could make up to $26 million over the lifetime of a back-loaded contract that gives the Nuggets financial flexibility. Andersen will make close to $3.65 million in 2009-10, up from the $998,398 he made last season, when he averaged 6.4 points and 2.5 blocks in 20.6 minutes.