Earl Watson's boost in playing time and contribution to the Nuggets have pleased him. But he would like some closure to the trade rumors that have surrounded him nearly since the day he arrived this offseason.

"You always want resolution," he said Wednesday. "Being in limbo is kind of a challenge. But at the same time I believe everything happens for a reason."

A trade involving Watson and Nene with a third team for Indiana small forward Ron Artest appears dead, though the Nuggets continue to talk with the Pacers. They also continue to hear from teams on Watson's availability. Seattle remains interested in him, and Cleveland might be, too.

Watson has become a regular in coach George Karl's rotation, which he said makes the rumors easier to stomach.

"No one has come up to me and said the rumors was false," Watson said. "I feel like since that hasn't happened it has to be the obvious."

Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe would only say, "He is playing very well."

Denver continues to compete for Artest with Golden State, which could be offering Troy Murphy and draft picks; Minnesota (possibly for Michael Olowokandi and Rashad McCants); and Boston (possibly for Ricky Davis), among others.