The Nuggets imported help for their depleted frontcourt today, agreeing to a three-way trade that would net them Portland swingman Ruben Patterson, Portland guard Charles Smith and Seattle forward Reggie Evans.
Denver sent guard Earl Watson, swingman Bryon Russell and a second-round pick to the Sonics and guard Voshon Lenard to the Trail Blazers. Seattle also traded forward Vitaly Potapenko to Portland.
Patterson, 30, is a small forward labeled a “Tasmanian devil” by Denver coach George Karl in recent weeks for his frenetic style of play. The eighth-year player also arrives with a reputation as a strong perimeter defender. He is averaging 11.3 points per game this season and scored 25 points Wednesday against Charlotte.
In his fourth year, the 25-year-old Evans is a rebounding specialist who averaged 9.3 boards per game last season. The Sonics went with younger players this year and Evans saw his playing time reduced. He averaging 5.9 points and 6.7 rebounds in 19.2 minutes per game.
Watson signed a five-year contract with Denver this past offseason as a free agent but never got regular minutes with established point guards Andre Miller and Earl Boykins already on board. He returns to the team that drafted him in 2001. He is averaging 7.5 points per game.
“I wanted a defined role and a defined situation and finally I have a chance to get that,” Watson said today after learning of the trade.
Staff writer Adam Thompson can be reached at 303-820-5447 or at athompson@denverpost.com.
