Denver Nuggets release J.J. Hickson, Steve Novak

The Denver Nuggets waived forwards J.J. Hickson and Steve Novak on Friday.

Hickson played in 162 games the the Nuggets during the past three seasons, averaging 9.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.0 assist. In eight NBA seasons with Cleveland, Portland, Sacramento and Denver, the 27-year-old Hickson has averaged 6.9 points and 4.4 rebounds.

The 32-year-old Novak appeared in seven games for the Oklahoma City Thunder this season, averaging 2.4 points. He was part of a trade on Thursday that included Randy Foye, D.J. Augustin and two second-round draft picks.

During 10 years in the NBA, Novak has played for New York, the Los Angeles Clippers, Houston, Toronto, San Antonio, Utah, Dallas and Oklahoma City. He holds career averages of 4.7 points and 1.3 rebounds.