As expected Vin Baker was yesterday suspended by the Boston Celtics to ``address personal issues,'' but as the article by Steve Bulpett in the Boston Herald confirming reports that the suspension was related to off-court problems that include alcohol and its physical effects on him.

While a team spokesman answered in the affirmative when asked if Baker has been suspended, there were questions last night whether he would, indeed, be forced to forfeit 1/90 of his $12.375 million salary ($137,500) for each game he misses.

``Our first and foremost concern is Vin Baker the person and we believe that taking time off is the best thing for him to do at this time,'' general manager Chris Wallace was quoted as saying. ``We look forward to his successful return to the team.''

Vin Baker and the Boston Celtics are set to meet today to discuss the center's medical condition and his lack of production, Mark Murphy of the Boston Herard is reporting.

While Murphy suggests that the Celtics might be looking to gain cap relief by removing Baker from their books via a medical-related retirement, ESPN's Sportscenter reported that Baker will be given two weeks "suspension" from the team to help himself with some alcohol-related problems.

``Me and coach and the others are just going to talk about things,'' Baker said.

``I'm making a request,'' Baker said, while also declining to identify what that request would entail. ``I just want to talk (today), and then I'll let everyone know. As you know, this is a very tough time for me.''

-- Ron Artest did not travel with his Indiana Pacers teammates on their flight to Boston after he was suspended by coach Isiah Thomas for disciplinary reasons.
The New York Post reported that Artest grabbed a framed picture and smashed it against the locker room wall.

In early January, Artest was suspended for three games without pay and fined $35,000 for hurling a television monitor and smashing a camera after a loss in New York. Later that month, he was suspended for four games without pay for a run-in with Heat coach Pat Riley and flashing an obscene gesture toward the crowd during a game in Miami.

The AP reports on the Denver/Boston trade.

Marc Spears of the Denver Post reports on the trade of Shammond Williams, a second round draft pick and cash from Boston for Mark Blount & Mark Bryant from Denver.  This trade is probably good for both teams.  The C's had Williams as a 3rd stringer, while Blount was backing up the backup at Center.  Both main players in the trade are happy to get an opportunity for more playing time.

Marc Spears of the Denver Post reports on the trade of Shammond Williams, a second round draft pick and cash from Boston for Mark Blount & Mark Bryant from Denver.  This trade is probably good for both teams.  The C's had Williams as a 3rd stringer, while Blount was backing up the backup at Center.  Both main players in the trade are happy to get an opportunity for more playing time.

Marc Spears reports on the possible Mark Blount for Shamond Williams trade.  Also mentions Rodney White and Donnell Harvey in trade rumors.

ESPN.com reports that the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics have agreed to a minor deal. The Celtics will trade guard Shammond Williams, cash and a second round pick to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for center Mark Blount and forward Mark Bryant.

The deal was to be officially announced later Thursday.

Williams, a fifth-year guard, was Boston's third-string playmaker, behind J.R. Bremer and Tony Delk. With the Nuggets, he will join Chris Whitney and rookie Junior Harrington as the point guards on the team with the league's second-worst record (12-43).

Williams averaged 7.3 points and 2.5 assists in 51 games for the Celtics

Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald reports: Celtics swingman Ruben Wolkowyski is leaving the team to go to Spain.

He is expected to be waived in the next day or two.

Then, Wolkowyski will join his new team.

By letting him go, the Celtics will save approximately $200,000 of Wolkowyski's $587,435 guaranteed deal.

Chris Tomasson of the Rocky Mountain News reports: Yesterday, ESPN.com and the New York Post reported that the Denver Nuggets and the Boston Celtics were discussing a swap that would involve Shammond Williams and Mark Blount.

 Blount wouldn't mind a deal.

"That would not be a problem for me," Blount said before Sunday night's 100-92 loss to New Orleans. "If the trade goes, it goes. Boston is like a second home to me."

To make the deal work capwise, the Nuggets would have to throw in another player and they want the Celtics to throw in a first round draft choice but the Celts only want to deal a second.

"Out of habit, I don't comment on trades," Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe said.

The trading deadline is Thursday. Vandeweghe and assistant general managers David Fredman and Jeff Weltman will meet today to discuss options.