Steve Kauffman, the agent for Nuggets guard Greg Buckner, reiterated Thursday that Sunday's deadline will pass without his client picking up his $1.8 million player option for next season.

While Kauffman said no action is needed for Buckner to become a free agent, the Rocky Mountain News is reporting that Kauffman plans to write the Nuggets a letter as a courtesy. Buckner can begin negotiations with any team July 1.

"He's said before that he'd like to return (to Denver)," Kauffman said. "We'll find out July 1."

Buckner, who averaged 6.7 points during his second season with the Nuggets, signed a two-year, $3.47 million deal last off-season.

Because Buckner has Early Bird rights, the Nuggets will be able to exceed the salary cap to re-sign him up to about $5 million for next season.