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Holiday trade winds may be blowing for Nuggets

Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News

Published December 5, 2005 at midnight

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It's shopping season.

Yes, that's because of Christmas. But it also might be that time of the year for the Denver Nuggets.

Sparingly used guard Voshon Lenard has asked for a trade. And guard Earl Watson, whose time has been cut after a short boost, wonders if he soon might be dealt.

Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe said Sunday that Lenard made his request "a couple of days ago." He said buying out Lenard, making $3.27 million in the final year of a three-year deal, is not an option.

"I told Voshon that we obviously will look at things," Vandeweghe said. "I'm always willing to accommodate players who are not in a great situation. . . . But we're going to give it a little time. Obviously, it would be the best of all worlds if he could help the Nuggets."

Lenard has not played in eight of the past 10 games, including Friday in Phoenix, when he was suspended for refusing to enter a game. Also not playing much lately has been Watson, eligible to be traded Dec. 15 after signing a five-year, $29 million contract Sept. 7.

"As a businessperson who knows my job, a person who is educated on what I do, the 15th is an important date for me," Watson said. "So I'm very much aware of it."

Watson said Nov. 16 he would not ask for a trade. Watson, who called his playing time "not the way I would like it to be," would not answer directly when asked if he still feels that way.

"As far as staying and going, I have no control over that," Watson said. "Whatever happens, I know it's going to be for the best for both sides. So, for me, I'm just excited to get on the court again, wherever or whenever it is."

Watson didn't play in seven of the first eight games before averaging 21.8 minutes in a five-game stretch. He then had three stints of 6 minutes or less in four games before not playing in Denver's 101-99 home win Saturday against Miami.

Vandeweghe wouldn't speculate on whether Watson might be dealt. He said the Nuggets "try to work it out" for what's "best for both sides" when any player might possibly want to be traded.

ANTHONY APOLOGIZES: An 11-year-old Denver girl went home Saturday with a Nuggets hat autographed by Carmelo Anthony, an autographed Earl Boykins jersey and no apparent bruises.

Late in the first half, Anthony became disgusted when called for charging and hurled the ball into the stands. It hit the head of Taylor Alexander, seated in the front row.

"It hurt a little," said Taylor, who didn't need medical attention.

At the end of the first half and after the game, Anthony spoke to Taylor. In addition to the signed hat, the Nuggets gave her a Boykins jersey because he's her favorite player.

"(Anthony) said he was really sorry," Taylor said. "He said he just got angry."

Anthony did not make himself available to reporters after the game. He could not be reached Sunday, when the Nuggets didn't practice.

Rick Alexander, Taylor's father, said Sunday she is "doing fine."

Vandeweghe said the Nuggets consider the incident closed. He called it an accident and said Anthony handled the aftermath appropriately.

ETC.: Nuggets coach George Karl started Greg Buckner rather than DerMarr Johnson at shooting guard Saturday for defensive purposes against Miami's Dwyane Wade. Buckner and Johnson said it doesn't matter who starts . . . Center Francisco Elson is listed as day to day because of a right foot infection.