NBA Trade Rumors: Analyzing Most Shocking Reports from Today's Rumor Mill

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The NBA rumor mill continuously changes. The latest buzz isn't the latest buzz ten minutes after you read it, so you have to be vigilant in your pursuit of the newest whispers. 

It makes the NBA offseason a saga unto itself. This year's top prizes have generated enormous buzz, and the biggest fish is still available.

Let's address the latest on Dwight Howard, Raja Bell and Kyle Korver. Howard's gigantic presence casts a web large enough that his movement directly impacts 10-plus players and up to five teams.

The Houston Rockets Are Persistent

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Every other team in pursuit of Dwight Howard seems to need a third party to put the deal through, but not the Rockets.

According to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, the Rockets remain engaged in direct conversations with the Magic.

Rockets remain strongly engaged w/ Orlando in direct talks for Dwight Howard, sources tell Y! They've spent little time on 3-way scenarios.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 11, 2012

Houston acquired a slew of draft picks in this year's lottery but didn't get a chance to swing them in exchange for Howard. They aren't done trying and don't appear to be going anywhere.

At this point, you have to think their chances at Howard are equal with anyone else's. They have the ammunition to pull a big deal, and they are willing, despite the unlikelihood of Howard re-signing with the team.

Andrew Bynum

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CBS NBA Insider Ken Berger reports that Andrew Bynum's party believes the All-Star center is staying in Los Angeles, at least for the time being.

As of yesterday, Lakers assured Bynum's camp, "Nothing's happening" on the trade front, a person close to the All-Star center said.

— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) July 11, 2012

This could change, or the Lakers' brass could be keeping their cards close. Bynum believes he is staying put, but a three-way swap for Dwight Howard isn't out of the realm of possibility.

Bynum's future hangs with Dwight Howard, and we know he is on the move. Keep an eye out for Bynum's name in the next few days.

Raja Bell Leaving Utah?

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According to FOX Sports' Chris Tomasson, Raja Bell's agent has been given permission to seek a buy out or trade out of Utah.

Raja Bell's agent, Herb Rudoy, said Bell could leave Utah either with a buyout or with a trade to a team that has ... sulia.com/c/nba-free-age…

— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) July 9, 2012

Bell isn't a major contributor at this point in his career, but he did shoot 39 percent from three-point land last year. He only averaged six points per game, but Bell plays hard on both ends of the floor.

He would be a solid pickup for Chicago, or Phoenix, if all else fails on their end.

Utah recently drafted Kevin Murphy, and Alec Burks is entering his second season. Bell's time there ran its course.

Chicago's Potential Sign-and-Trade

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According to Hawks beat writer Michael Cunningham, Atlanta was interested in Chicago shooter Kyle Korver, but it doesn't look like they will get their wish.

Source says #Hawks had interest in #Bulls F Kyle Korver but he's likely headed to Minnesota in trade

— Michael Cunningham (@ajchawks) July 11, 2012

Minnesota makes sense for Korver. They signed Brandon Roy, but they could use another shooter. Korver doesn't do much else, but he's an ace behind the arc (41 percent for career).

The Timberwolves need a shooter to spread the floor while Ricky Rubio probes the defense. Korver will provide a veteran shooter to a young team, and he will come relatively cheap.

Brooklyn Setting Ultimatum

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According to ESPN's Ric Bucher, the Nets are getting impatient in their pursuit of All-Star center Dwight Howard.

Source: Nets will "resolve" their pursuit of DH today; either get him or move on.

— Ric Bucher (@RicBucher) July 11, 2012

It's hard to tell which way Howard is going right now. Chris Sheridan tweeted Tuesday night that Howard believes a resolution is near.

Source on Dwight Howard trade: "It's all coming to a head." Translation: He's being dealt somewhere today.

— Chris Sheridan (@sheridanhoops) July 11, 2012

We know Howard is going to move. It's just a matter of when. His movement has controlled the offseason thus far, and it will take over the headlines once it does happen.

Brooklyn has been involved from the beginning and appears to be the only place Howard really wants to go. I can't wait to see how this one turns out.