One scenario from within the league involves Denver sending Earl Watson and Nene to Atlanta, the Hawks sending Al Harrington to the Pacers and Indiana shipping Artest to the Nuggets.

Another scenario substitutes the Los Angeles Clippers' Corey Maggette for Watson and Nene. Lower-salaried Pacers like guard Anthony Johnson or former Colorado center David Harrison could also be involved to fit league
salary-cap restrictions.

Atlanta general manager Billy Knight would not comment on the rumors when approached by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Vandeweghe would not discuss specifics, either.

"There's always been speculation on all our players," he said. "All that says is they are valuable and people like them. That's what I tell our players. ... To me most of the time speculation is OK because of the interest from fans, but not when it affects players and the way they are playing. Hopefully, it doesn't do that."

At least so far, Vandeweghe does not have to worry about Watson's feelings.

The guard, who has been the subject of trade rumors almost from the day he signed with Denver, has averaged 15 points in his past three games with fellow point guard Earl Boykins sidelined with a hamstring injury.