NBA Trade Rumors: Weekend Buzz as Deadline Rapidly Approaches

Sunday's game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics not only is a matchup of the NBA's most long-standing rivalry, but it's also a matchup of two of the bigger names that have hit the trade block recently in Los Angeles' Pau Gasol and Boston's Rajon Rondo.

With the March 15 deadline only a mere four days away, we're still waiting for the first domino to drop.

Here's the latest look at the recent trade buzz around the association.

Andrew Bogut

Despite being injured, Milwaukee's Bogut is one guy that could be moved by Thursday.

Several teams have shown interest in the former No. 1 overall pick, and the Golden State Warriors have a need for a talented big man.

Marcus Thompson reports that the Warriors and the Bucks have had talks, but there are a couple of snags.

For one, Golden State isn't interested in parting with rookie Klay Thompson unless it's in a deal for Dwight Howard.

The Bucks, on the other hand, would want Golden State to take back the the contracts of Stephen Jackson and Drew Gooden as well, something they aren't likely to do.

OJ Mayo

While it's been speculated that the Grizzlies have been trying to move Mayo for over a year now, Bill Ingram of HoopsWorld says that despite several offers, Memphis won't be moving the shooting guard.

Mayo has been comfortable in his scoring role off the bench and is getting around 30 minutes a night from head coach Lionel Hollins.

With Memphis 11-3 in their last 14 games. they won't be moving a big piece in a cost-cutting move.

Michael Beasley

With the season-ending injury to rookie point guard Ricky Rubio, it's very unlikely that Luke Ridnour is dealt now, but the Wolves must make a quick decision on forward Michael Beasley.

The interest in Beasley has seemed to die down in the past week, but there could still be interest from New Jersey, says HoopsWorld's Stephen Litel.

It's been reported that Anthony Morrow could be part of a deal, and he could provide some much-needed perimeter shooting in Minnesota.

Dwight Howard

Much of the Howard talk has died down, but there's still four days before the deadline and it's likely to heat back up. But, it also seems more likely by the day that Howard won't be dealt.

The Nets seem like the only team left with any chance to acquire the big man, but as the New York Post's Fred Kerber reports, New Jersey is pursuing back-up plans assuming they don't get Howard.

Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel also took a close look at the Nets' top assets in a potential deal, which include Brook Lopez, MarShon Brooks and a pair of first-round picks, and says Orlando sees nothing but question marks with each one.

Boston Celtics

Danny Ainge would love to be able to swing a deal for one of his Big Four, but nothing seems very likely to happen.

Sean Grande of CSNNE.com reports that with the high value of draft picks now with a very deep draft upcoming, Ainge isn't coming close to getting the value that he wants.

Grande also says a deal with one of the guys could get done by Thursday, but it's not likely.

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks could be very active by Thursday.

Kirk Hinrich is likely to be dealt, with both the Lakers and Clippers possibly in on him.

The Cavaliers have also had steady contact with Atlanta about forward Marvin Williams, who could possibly offer up the expiring contract of Antawn Jamison and point guard Ramon Sessions.

One report also has forward Josh Smith being added to that deal.

Smith's made it known that he wants out of Atlanta, so we'll see what the Hawks have up their sleeve. They have options.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers' need for a point guard has been well documented, as have all the different guys they've been tied to, including Sessions, Hinrich, Jose Calderon and Raymond Felton.

But according to several league sources, Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak isn't so sure he wants to part with one of his two first-round picks for a marginal starter.

As for Pau Gasol, he's probably the guy in the NBA that can't wait for the deadline to pass the most.

Gasol was once again in the news, as he was falsely traded once again. There's still a chance Kupchak does something with him, but he's still in a Lakers uniform for now.

Jamal Crawford

Jamal Crawford has been targeted by several teams, including the Clippers and Timberwolves, but so far, talks haven't heated up as of yet for any of Portland's three guys on the block, which also include Felton and Gerald Wallace.

Crawford could likely be had by a team making a playoff push, but his player option for next season may be scaring teams off; not sure if he will re-sign or not.