Denver is said to have shopped Kenyon Martin to the Chicago Bulls, though the Bulls have wavering interest because of Martin's recent injury history and his hefty contract (he is due $65 million through 2010).

"The whole thing philosophically is that we're trying to fix this team and make it better," said Nuggets coach George Karl, not commenting on any particular rumor. "And we're not going to do anything unless it makes us better. That's our job; (general manager Kiki Vandeweghe's) job is, come April or May, to have the best possible basketball team on the court for a playoff run."

Vandeweghe chatted briefly with reporters Tuesday after the Nuggets' film-study session, and though he wouldn't comment on a specific deal, he said: "I don't get too mad about the rumors as long as they don't upset the players too much. Some of the rumors are outrageous because they don't make sense from a salary-cap perspective. Those don't bother me."

While Martin, Watson and injured post player Nene are the most common names surfacing in recent trade talks, the Nuggets also would like to move shooting guard Voshon Lenard, who has not played in the past 28 games despite being in uniform for each one.

"It's a part of the business and a point of life," Watson said of the rumors. "I think the easiest thing for me is that I'm not married and don't have kids, so it wouldn't be a whole family affected by the move. Right now it's just all me, and whatever happens, it's for the best. I'll trust in it."