Randolph, a power forward-center, averaged 7.4 points and 3.6 rebounds in 34 games for Minnesota last season. He started five games. Over five NBA seasons, including stops with New York and Golden State, he had averaged 8.5 points and 5.1 rebounds in 17.6 minutes.

Each team is allowed to use its amnesty clause once during this new collective bargaining agreement. The team still has to pay the player the money on the contract - Andersen is due to make around $4.5 million next season and $4.8 million in 2013-14 - but it doesn't affect the team's overall salary cap.

The move makes sense for Denver because the 33-year-old Andersen didn't play much last season and the Nuggets have numerous younger big men on the roster. Last season, Andersen appeared in only 32 games, averaging 5.3 points and 4.6 rebounds in 15.2 minutes.

It also is a sad end to the tenure of a fan favorite in Denver. At his peak, back in 2008-09, Andersen was a key fixture on the team that advanced to the Western Conference finals, swatting shots and soaring for dunks, while numerous fans wore his jersey or even sported Birdman-like mohawk hair-dos.

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A contact with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office tells 9Wants to Know that deputies are still investigating any potential crime committed by Andersen.

Related Story: Attorney claims Chris 'Birdman' Andersen target of extortion

The sheriff's office has been awaiting results of searches of his electronic devices that were taken when deputies served a search warrant.

No decision has been made on whether any charges will be filed, according to a Douglas County Sheriff's Office Spokesman.

(Copyright 2012 The Denver Post)