NBA Rumors: Debunking the Most Outrageous Rumors

Every year there are NBA rumors that gain traction in the media, but that doesn't mean there is any validity to them whatsoever.

Some of the things we've seen and heard in this shortened season have been interesting, while others just don't make any sense whatsoever.

It's become quite popular to cite anonymous sources or people "close to the situation" when reporting on what may happen next, but it's impossible to believe some of the scenarios that have been presented.

Anything can happen with the trade deadline still over a month away, but these six rumors need to be put to bed.

LeBron James Is Not Going Back to Cleveland

There was a report that LeBron James is unhappy with the style of Pat Riley in Miami and he could opt out following the 2013-14 season.

Citing sources in Miami and people "close to the situation," the report writes of how speculation is swirling around James returning to Cleveland.

Do we really think Dan Gilbert and James can have an amicable reunion?

After Gilbert's letter, LeBron's decision and how the fans reacted to his choice to the Miami Heat in free agency, James is going to go back to Cleveland?

Speculation on what is going to happen in 2014 and we're barely into 2012? Please.

Dwight Howard's "Interest" in Playing for the Boston Celtics

A lot of people got excited about Dwight Howard's reported openness to playing for the Boston Celtics.

However, at no point did he say "I want to play for the Boston Celtics."

Here is what Howard did divulge to the Boston Herald:

"I'd always listen to a team like that...you look at a team like Boston and look at a team like LA who's won...especially Boston. Man, those guys came together and they didn't care who scored all the points. They had done all the individual stuff."

Howard did not say he's added the Celtics to his "list," and he did not say he's interested in playing for the Celtics.

All he said was that he'd listen, and he mentioned the Lakers in the same breath.

Is Danny Ainge going to try to make a push for him? Absolutely. That's his job.

That doesn't mean it's going to happen.

Orlando Is Not Going to Trade Dwight Howard for Amar'e Stoudemire

Stephen A. Smith attempted to drop a bombshell when he reported Orlando had inquired about Amar'e Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler in exchange for Dwight Howard.

There are a few things wrong with that particular scenario.

First off, Chandler can't be traded until March 1 because he signed as a free agent during the offseason.

Secondly, the Magic have repeatedly expressed absolutely zero interest in Stoudemire due to his balky knees and uninsurable contract.

The speculation surrounding a possible Stoudemire deal was formulated through the media, and there has been no confirmation from anybody connected to the Knicks that the team is considering a deal for Howard.

Some like to connect the dots because Stoudemire is from Florida, but that does not mean he's going to play for the Magic, and it certainly doesn't mean he's going to be traded for Dwight Howard.

Danny Ainge Has Effectively Already Blown Up the Big 3 After This Year

The Celtics had been struggling to start the season, and then Danny Ainge inspired a wave of trade rumors when it was revealed he'd be willing to entertain deals for the Big Three.

That does not mean he's actively pursuing any such trades nor does it indicate that anything is on the horizon.

Here's the thing: Ainge has basically blown up the Big Three after this season. Boston's general manager and almost anyone paying attention to the situation understood that there was a time frame on this current core to win championships, and it's not a secret that these guys are getting older.

Both Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett have expiring contracts after the season, and that severely limits anything another team might be willing to give up in a deal.

Furthermore, Paul Pierce has two years and approximately $32 million left on his contract. Considering his age and the amount of money owed to him, that severely dilutes any trade value he holds to any interested team.

No matter what club expresses interest, the Celtics would not get anything close to equal value and there is no way Ainge is going to jeopardize the cap space he's created for his team in 2012 with such an amazing free-agent class in store.

The Clippers Won't Trade Blake Griffin for Dwight Howard

We've had no shortage of Howard trade rumors, and given how many ridiculous things we've heard on the Howard front, it's really saying something to call this one outlandish.

As presented on SheridanHoops.com, it was reported that not only had Howard added the Clippers to his list, but that he could wind up with the team via a sign and trade in the offseason.

Shortly after that report cropped up, Howard flatly denied that he'd added the Clips to his list.

Any sign-and-trade deal which would bring Howard to Los Angeles would undoubtedly have to involve Blake Griffin (no, the Clippers don't have a package to build around DeAndre Jordan), and the Clippers have expressed that they're unwilling to trade Griffin for any other player in the league.

The Clippers have built their identity around Griffin since his electric rookie season.

A franchise that has been down in the dumps for so long prior to Chris Paul's arrival and Griffin's emergence is going to radically shake up the roster after just one season of Griffin and Paul together?

Neil Olshey isn't that short-sighted.

The Celtics and Lakers Won't Be Making a Deal for Paul Pierce

A trade between the Lakers and Celtics might be enough to shut down the presses.

A deal involving Paul Pierce, franchise icon and beloved in Boston, going to the Lakers would be enough to cause mass hysteria in New England.

This report had the Lakers expressing some interest in Paul Pierce, but that doesn't mean the two sides are actively engaged in talks for a trade.

It's tough to digest the idea that the Lakers are actually interested.

Pierce's gargantuan salary doesn't fit into a team that is paying big money to Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum.

Gasol is slated to earn more than $38 million over the next two years, the Lakers are not trading Bryant and Bynum is off the table in trade discussions unless it's for a certain center currently playing in Orlando.

A trade sending Paul Pierce to Los Angeles? Please. He's the captain of the Boston Celtics and has spent his entire career with the team.