Trade rumors surrounding Nuggets guard Earl Watson have run wild since he became eligible to be dealt on Dec. 15.
But since the first-year Nugget has been playing well, Denver doesn’t seem too interested in parting with him.
“It would be hard to trade him,” Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe said Tuesday. “That hasn’t changed. Nothing has changed since the 15th (of December). He’s very valuable to our team.”
Watson, who signed a five-year, $29 million deal in the offseason, had 15 points, eight assists and six rebounds in a 139-137 triple-overtime win over Phoenix. He declined comment about his situation. His new agent, Todd Ramasar, is expected to meet with Vandeweghe today.
Buckner ailing
Nuggets guard Greg Buckner is day to day with a right wrist sprain. He was hurt in the second quarter against Phoenix.
“If we had a game (today), I couldn’t play,” he said. “But we have two days off.”
Johnson starts
Swingman DerMarr Johnson started against Phoenix, his 17th start of the season. But he has also missed games while healthy seven times, including five straight starting Dec. 29.
Johnson, who finished with five points in almost 21 minutes, started in place of Kenyon Martin, who hopes to return Friday from a lower back strain.
Coach George Karl challenged Johnson to play like another tall but skinny perimeter player, Shawn Marion.
“I’m just trying to give him examples of what I want – more urgency, more aggressiveness, less casual, less cool,” Karl said.
Nene takes a seat
After watching games from his home and a team luxury box, injured forward Nene joined the Nuggets on the bench. He said the right knee he injured on opening night still feels creaky, but he walks without a limp.
Trainer Jim Gillen said Nene’s rehabilitation has been excellent.
Footnote
Guard Earl Boykins made his first seven free throws, then missed one in the first overtime to end his streak at 42 free throws made.
