Every NBA Team's Biggest Trade Deadline Rumor

With the completion of a three-team trade between the Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons involving Rudy Gay, it's official—trade season is upon us.

The rapidly approaching NBA trade deadline annually provides fanbases with hope that their team will be the one to make a blockbuster deal, but the truth remains that few of those moves are tangible.

However, this year may be an exception.

Given the caliber of players who are on expiring deals this season, the 2013 trade deadline could be one of the most active in recent memory.

Atlanta Hawks

Rumor: J-Smoove staying put?

With a contract that expires at season's end, Josh Smith has been a popular name cropping up in trade rumors over the past few weeks.

Despite a report from HoopsWorld stating that the Phoenix Suns have significant interest in Smith, John Gambardo of 620 KTR in Phoenix is reporting that the Suns are not keen on the idea of dealing for Smith.

Here's HoopsWorld's claim, followed by Gambardo's refutation:

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The Suns are pursuing Josh Smith, according to multiple league sources. Phoenix will try to acquire Smith before the deadline or, if that fails, through a sign-and-trade deal next offseason.

"

"

The stories about the Suns being interested in Josh Smith are ridiculous, there is zero interest there -ZERO!

"

"— John Gambadoro (@Gambo620) February 1, 2013"

Further, ESPN's Marc Stein believes the only way Smith is dealt is if the Hawks are blown away by an offer:

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Unless there's a bona fide star player to be had in exchange, indications persist that the Hawks don't want to do anything that cuts into the considerable cap-space haul they're headed for in July. Because they're going to be right alongside the Dallas Mavericks, sources say, in trying to steal Howard from the Lakers.

"

If Atlanta is truly poised to make a run at hometown boy Dwight Howard this summer, don't get your hopes up that Smith will be on his way out the door within the next few weeks.

Boston Celtics

Rumor: Paul Pierce staying put?

Ever since Rajon Rondo went down with a season-ending ACL injury, talk surrounding the Boston Celtics has had to do with general manager Danny Ainge blowing up the team's roster and building with an eye on the future.

However, as observers of the league will tell you, the Celtics will be the last team to back down when faced with dire circumstances.

According to WEEI, Ainge would prefer to keep Pierce in house, but he's not putting restrictions on trades just yet:

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Having said that, if something came up, I would talk to Paul. My job is to do what’s in the best interest of our team, regardless of my personal ties or my personal feelings with the players.

"

And now, with Jared Sullinger out for the season, it's going to be difficult for Ainge to combat ideas of a franchise shakeup.

Sports Illustrated's Rob Mahoney makes it clear just how difficult it will be for the Celtics to keep this team together now that Rondo and Sullinger have been lost for the season:

"

"

If there's a reasonable argument in favor of keeping the Celtics together at this point, I know not of it.

"

"— Rob Mahoney (@RobMahoney) February 1, 2013"

"

Brooklyn Nets

Rumor: MarShon Brooks on the block?

Brooklyn Nets' shooting guard MarShon Brooks put together quite a nice rookie campaign in the lockout shortened season of 2011-12, averaging 12.6 points in 29.4 minutes per game.

However, as the Nets have evolved into an Eastern Conference contender, there have been fewer opportunities for the gunner out of Providence.

Brooks' production has dropped significantly since the Nets moved to New York, and he's managing just 5.4 points in 11.6 minutes per contest.

And as Brooks recently told the New York Post, he's aware that trade rumors will always accompany poor play in such a big market:

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Though Brooks may not have heard all that was going on in Carlesimo’s head, he had heard his name mentioned repeatedly in trade rumors. But, hey, this is the NBA. This is New York. Brooks has been here over a season. You get immune.

“I’m used to the trade situation,” Brooks said. “That’s just the way the business works. I was traded on draft day. There have been trade rumors ever since.”

"

Although Brooks is not much of a willing defender, the Nets could do worse than keeping him around as a backup to shooting guard Joe Johnson.

Charlotte Bobcats

Rumor: Bobcats eying Greg Oden

It's no secret that the Charlotte Bobcats are short on quality big men. Bismack Biyombo and Brendan Haywood are hardly an ideal pairing at center, while a journeyman grouping of Jeff Adrien and Hakim Warrick at power forward has hardly been serviceable.

With such a thin and offensively challenged front line, ESPN's Chris Broussard is reporting that the Bobcats are in the market for the services of former No. 1 overall pick Greg Oden:

"

In addition 2 Heat & Cavs, San Antonio, New Orleans, Charlotte, Indiana & Dallas r interested in Greg Oden, sources say. Decision n 3-4 wks

"

"— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) January 30, 2013"

Oden makes sense for a 'Cats team that is shaky up front. The real kicker will be seeing if Charlotte wants to offer Oden more than a prove-it deal at the veteran minimum.

Chicago Bulls

Rumor: Bulls in the market for Redick?

The Chicago Bulls have yet to take the court at full strength this season, but relief will soon be on the way, with the return of Derrick Rose not far off.

However, according to HoopsWorld's Alex Kennedy, the Bulls could be in the market to add some outside shooting at the trade deadline:

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The Chicago Bulls are one team that has been linked to Redick. The Bulls were the team that extended a three-year, $19 million offer sheet to Redick in 2010, and they may pursue him again before the trade deadline.

"

With Redick's contract set to expire and the Bulls looking to improve three-point shooting that ranks 15th in the NBA, it could be a perfect match.

The real problem for the Bulls would be putting together a package that would be appealing to Rob Hennigan and the Orlando front office.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Rumor: Cleveland the favorites for Greg Oden?

While you could argue that the rumblings about a LeBron James reunion with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2014 are a bigger deal than a potential signing of Greg Oden, one appears much more likely than the other.

According to Jeff Goodman of CBSSports, the Cavs may be the front-runners for Oden because of the larger financial commitment they can make to him:

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Miami would likely offer a deal for minimum salary while the Cavs could pay up to nearly $4 million. The Boston Celtics are another team that has expressed interest, but the source said that Oden is leaning towards making a comeback with either Cleveland or Miami.

"

Oden could be a sneaky-good signing for the Cavs, as he could benefit from backing up Anderson Varejao in 2013-14 and, more importantly, playing alongside point guard Kyrie Irving.

Dallas Mavericks

Rumor: Dallas eying Calderon this summer?

The Dallas Mavericks figure to be relatively quiet at the February 21 NBA trade deadline, but that doesn't mean they haven't started plotting for what could be a big summer of moving and shaking.

According to ESPN's Marc Stein, Mark Cuban and the Mavericks are keeping their eyes on the Detroit Pistons' new point guard:

"

The aforementioned Jose Calderon had a 10 percent trade kicker in his contract, meaning he earned an extra $484,609 when he was traded to Detroit earlier this week, increasing his salary-cap number to $11,046,591. Calderon becomes an unrestricted free agent in July and, sources say, is certain to attract interest from Dallas among others, as well as interest from the Pistons in hanging on to him. 

"

Rick Carlisle has not been keen on point guard Darren Collison, even going so far as to sign veteran Derek Fisher to show his young guy the ropes.

Although the marriage between Fisher and the Mavs didn't last long, it's clear the team isn't looking at Collison as their long-term solution at the point.

Denver Nuggets

Rumor: Timofey Mozgov on the move?

In a crowded Denver Nuggets' frontcourt, there simply aren't minutes for a needy Timofey Mozgov.

Mozgov craves playing time, and understandably so, but it's simply not realistic for him to expect significant minutes when George Karl has the option to play Kosta Koufos, JaVale McGee and Kenneth Faried ahead of him.

Now, according to Christopher Dempsey of the Denver Post, the Nuggets are fielding calls regarding their displeased center:

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In less than a month, Timofey Mozgov is unlikely to be with the Nuggets. Since the beginning of the year, calls from other NBA teams have come rolling in concerning a trade for Mozgov more than for any other player on the Denver roster, and for two reasons.

"

All indications are pointing to a divorce between Mozgov and the Nuggets, and a contender in need of some frontcourt help could find the Russian quite a serviceable big off of the bench.

Detroit Pistons

Rumor: Pistons could re-sign Jose Calderon

The Detroit Pistons are ahead of the curve, as they've already made their big splash at the NBA trade deadline.

After snagging point guard Jose Calderon in a three-team trade that ultimately sent Rudy Gay to the Toronto Raptors, the Detroit Free Press is reporting that the team has not ruled out re-signing the Spanish point guard to a long-term extension:

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A Pistons source said the team is open to trying to re-sign Calderon over the summer, adding that the team thinks his playmaking skill would be a major boon to rookie center Andre Drummond.

"

Calderon's arrival has Brandon Knight slotted in as the Pistons' new 2-guard, and the team could certainly do worse in the long-term than a backcourt pairing of those two.

With Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond the team's frontcourt pairing of the future, Joe Dumars has the Pistons' stock trending up.

Golden State Warriors

Rumor: Warriors in the market for frontcourt depth

The return of Andrew Bogut has provided some punch to the Golden State Warriors' talented frontcourt, but apparently the Bay Area ballers are intrigued by adding another big body.

According to the San Jose Mercury News, the Warriors are interested in adding another big to their bench, but will not pull out all the stops to do so:

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Besides adding a big man, the Warriors do have another motive to make a trade. Shaving nearly $2 million off their payroll would take them out of luxury tax territory. But even that is going to be a tall order. Golden State probably would have to find a team willing to take one of its big contracts—Biedrins or forward Richard Jefferson—which is unlikely.

"

The Warriors may have the most complete roster of any Western Conference contender, so a trade isn't a pressing concern at the moment.

However, if an injury crops up in the next week or two, that could change everything.

Houston Rockets

Rumor: Rockets intrigued by Josh Smith?

The Houston Rockets may not be known for playing much defense, but man can they get out and run.

No player would fit in more at the power forward for the Rockets than Atlanta Hawks' high-flyer Josh Smith.

According to HoopsWorld's Alex Kennedy, the Rockets are doing their due diligence on the market for Smith:

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I was told that three teams - the Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets and Charlotte Bobcats - had exploratory talks with the Atlanta Hawks.

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) February 2, 2013"

In addition to adding another dimension to the Rockets' up-tempo attack, Smith would bring some stability on the defensive end, where the Rockets have struggled mightily (27th in the NBA in opponent's points per game).

Indiana Pacers

Rumor: Danny Granger set to return?

So this doesn't technically qualify as trade deadline news, but it's news that's occurring in conjunction with the trade deadline.

Things have been quiet on the trade front for the Indiana Pacers, with no rumblings surrounding any players of significance.

Instead, in what could be a massive offensive lift for the league's second-lowest scoring team, the Pacers have a real shot at getting small forward Danny Granger back before the All-Star Break, according to NBA.com: 

"Pacers coach Frank Vogel says Danny Granger could be back on the court before the All-Star break in mid-February.

Granger has been out all season with a patellar tendinosis in his left knee, but was cleared to participate in full contact practice for the first time Thursday. Vogel says he worked for 20 minutes in half-court sets.

"

After a recent drubbing of the defending NBA champions, it's become clear that the Pacers are one of the biggest threats to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference.

Los Angeles Clippers

Rumor: Clippers interested in Kevin Garnett?

On a day when the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers squared off in Beantown, Sean Deveney of Sporting News tweeted that the two teams have had contact about a possible trade involving Kevin Garnett:

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Sources tell Sporting News that the #Clippers have contacted the #Celtics about Kevin Garnett. Offer would include Caron Butler and Beldsoe.

— Sean Deveney (@SeanDeveney) February 3, 2013"

Now, it's important to remember that Garnett has a no-trade clause in his contract, so it would be up to Danny Ainge to do some serious convincing, ultimately persuading the Big Ticket to leave, thus granting him one last shot at an NBA title.

With Eric Bledsoe slated to be a restricted free agent at year's end, this deal makes a fair amount of sense for both sides.

The question is, will talks heat up in the coming days and weeks?

Los Angeles Lakers

Rumor: Gasol and Howard staying put?

It's no secret that Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard have struggled to coexist within Mike D'Antoni's offense, thus leading to speculation that one of the talented big men could be shipped out by the Los Angeles Lakers.

However, ESPN's Marc Stein makes a compelling case for why the Lakers should hang on to Gasol:

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As poorly as Pau fits with this current mix, I still say that the Lakers have to keep Gasol beyond Feb. 21 because they have no assurances that Dwight Howard is going to re-sign with them. It's just too risky for them to trade Gasol now, just to replace him with a player or two who might ensure they don't miss out on their puncher's chance in the playoffs, when Howard could bolt in free agency and leave them center-less in July.

"

Given that there doesn't seem to be equal return value floating around for either Gasol or Howard, the Lakers would be wise to hang on to Gasol, particularly after he's shown how lethal he can be when he's the lone big man playing within the offense.

Memphis Grizzlies

Rumor: More trades to come for Memphis?

While the Memphis Grizzlies may be getting crucified by some for trading Rudy Gay to the Toronto Raptors, there is one element of that three-team deal that flew under the radar.

According to the Memphis Commercial Appeal, general manager Chris Wallace sees plenty of opportunities to wheel and deal thanks to the trade exceptions they've acquired:

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It’s very possible (to make another deal) because we don’t have to include one of our players because of receiving trade assignments. We now can be a team that can relieve a luxury-tax burden on another team. We can go someplace, see a player we like that’s out of a rotation and get him using this $7.5 million trade exception that’s good for the next 365 days. It’s a very valuable piece of real estate.

"

The Grizzlies have afforded themselves some serious financial flexibility with their recent trade, and it wouldn't be all that surprising to see Wallace and front office newcomer John Hollinger make a play for some wing players to bring off of the bench.

Miami Heat

Rumor: Several moves in the works for Miami?

In addition to being one of the frontrunners to land free-agent center Greg Oden, the Miami Heat may be forced to make a few moves due to pressures of the league's luxury tax.

Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel has the details:

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I think the Heat might be proactive at the deadline when it comes to the impending boost in the luxury tax, which could leave Joel Anthony vulnerable, and possibly even Mario Chalmers and Mike Miller, who otherwise almost certainly will be amnestied in the offseason. With Chris Andersen and Jarvis Varnado in place, it leaves Anthony exposed.

"

Aside from Oden, none of these moves are particularly major, but it goes to show that even the most star-studded teams are keeping an eye on their payroll and how they can manage it to a point where they won't be forced to pay financial penalties.

Milwaukee Bucks

Rumor: Milwaukee backcourt staying put?

Ever since the Milwaukee Bucks swapped Andrew Bogut for Monta Ellis, speculation has run rampant that the duo of Ellis and Brandon Jennings would have a hard time sharing the spotlight and the ball in the backcourt.

However, recently extended Bucks' general manager John Hammond dispelled that speculation in a recent interview with Bucks.com (via ProBasketballTalk):

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We like our team, we really like Brandon and Monta. We like them playing together, we think they are a dynamic backcourt. And our hope is we can keep that back court together.

"

Although Ellis has struggled to find consistency in his first full year in Wisconsin, Jennings has looked sharp, shooting 37.4 percent from three en route to 18.7 points per game.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Rumor: Pekovic's future with T'Wolves uncertain

Although the Minnesota Timberwolves have struggled with Kevin Love sidelined, center Nikola Pekovic has benefited from increased touches in the middle of Rick Adelman's offense.

Few centers can match up with Pekovic's size, and just taking a look at the 6'11'', 290-pound beast, you wouldn't think that he'd be a very steady offensive player.

Surprisingly, Pekovic is quite nimble and has used a combination of power and finesse in the post en route to averages of 15.9 points and 8.6 rebounds per game.

However, Pekovic's breakout season may force the Timberwolves front office into making some difficult financial decisions.

According to 1500 ESPN Twin Cities, Pekovic could be shown the door this summer if he commands too much money:

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I continue to hear there's a split opinion internally about whether Pekovic is worth $12 million a year long-term beginning this summer, when he'll be a restricted free agent.

League sources remain confident that, if a Pekovic trade comes, there's a better chance it's this summer in a sign-and-trade.

"

New Orleans Hornets

Rumor: Ryan Anderson eyed by Lakers?

Let me preface this by saying that the following rumor is nearly two months old, but it qualifies because there have been no significant rumors regarding the New Orleans Hornets since December.

Although the Los Angeles Lakers still haven't found the Pau Gasol-Dwight Howard pairing to be a dynamite one, progress is being made, slowly but surely.

Given Ryan Anderson's flawless stroke from beyond the arc, it's easy to see why the Lakers would be interested in adding him as a stretch 4, but a move simply doesn't appear to be in the cards.

A report from the Los Angeles Times confirms that belief:

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Coach Monty Williams and executives within the organization have recently sung Anderson's praises. The team isn't interested in Gasol for their own roster.

If the Lakers manage to find some third team willing to give up significant young talent, so much so that the Hornets are overwhelmed, then perhaps Anderson could be had.

"

It was a nice idea, but the Lakers simply don't have the right pieces to acquire Anderson, who appears to be a part of the Hornets' long-term plans.

New York Knicks

Rumor: Knicks interested in T'Wolves' Amundson?

For once, all is quiet on the trade front for the New York Knicks. The ballers of Gotham are thriving under Mike Woodson, with all of their stars (namely Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire) starting to mesh in a revamped offensive system.

Given the team's first-half success, there's only one very minor nugget to pass along here.

According to 1500 ESPN Twin Cities, the Knicks are one of two teams interested in Minnesota Timberwolves forward Lou Amundson:

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The Knicks and Sixers are said to have interest in Wolves forward Lou Amundson. He's the expected odd man out once a roster decision has to be made next week. The best the Wolves can expect in a trade is a heavily protected future second-round pick.

"

Given the extremely low price tag that accompanies any potential deal for Amundson, this could be a move worth making for the Knicks.

Carmelo Anthony and Steve Novak have teamed up to play the bulk of the team's minutes at power forward in Woodson's system, but Amundson could provide some muscle as one of the last guys off of the bench.

Just don't expect any offensive production from him.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Rumor: N/A (James Harden trade in October)

The Oklahoma City Thunder made their big splash before the 2012-13 season got underway, dealing James Harden to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb and a bounty of draft picks.

Since then, the Thunder have been coasting, rattling off victories en route to a .745 winning percentage through 47 games.

Kevin Durant leads the NBA in scoring with 29.6 points per game and is on pace to finish in the esteemed 50-40-90 club, as he's shooting 51.6 percent from the field, 41.4 percent from three and 90.4 percent from the free-throw line.

As for the big return the Thunder got in their October blockbuster, Kevin Martin has been as good as advertised as the team's new sixth man, averaging 15.1 points per game on an efficient 45 percent shooting from the field and 43.5 percent shooting from beyond the arc.

Orlando Magic

Rumor: Redick on the move?

Shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 39.9 percent from beyond the arc, J.J. Redick is making a compelling case to contenders across the NBA as to why they should dig deep to trade for him.

Redick is in the final year of his contract with the Orlando Magic and, as HoopsWorld's Alex Kennedy notes, will be an unrestricted free-agent at season's end:

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Redick will an unrestricted free agent after this season, which increases the odds that Orlando will trade him. Afflalo is their long-term answer at shooting guard so Redick may not be in the Magic’s plan going forward. Redick has been on a contender for most of his career and has proven that he’s a starting-caliber player so it’s hard to imagine him re-signing to be a reserve on a lottery team (although, Redick insists he loves Orlando and his family has settled down there).

"

A conundrum that several teams with valuable unrestricted free-agents face, the Magic will need to pull the trigger on a deal this month or run the risk of losing Redick this summer.

He's a sharpshooter whose defense has improved significantly—one has to imagine that a market will develop for his services.

Philadelphia 76ers

Rumor: Sixers eying Lou Amundson?

The Philadelphia 76ers' frontcourt has been an absolute mess without Andrew Bynum.

Thaddeus Young has been his usual scrappy self but, at 6'8'' and 235 pounds, is still undersized playing power forward.

Young's length has been a nice equalizer, but he hasn't been able to do things alone. A platoon of Spencer Hawes, Lavoy Allen and Kwame Brown has been underwhelming, and it's clear the Sixers could stand to benefit from adding some aggressiveness to their front line.

According to 1500 ESPN Twin Cities, the Sixers are one of two Atlantic Division teams keeping an eye on Minnesota reserve Lou Amundson:

"

The Knicks and Sixers are said to have interest in Wolves forward Lou Amundson. He's the expected odd man out once a roster decision has to be made next week. The best the Wolves can expect in a trade is a heavily protected future second-round pick.

"

Given the Sixers' need for a shot-blocker off of the bench, Amundson makes sense for a team in need of big bodies.

Phoenix Suns

Rumor: Suns in pursuit of Josh Smith?

We've already discussed Josh Smith in regards to a couple different NBA teams, but according to HoopsWorld's Alex Kennedy, the Phoenix Suns are emerging as real players for the enigmatic forward and have the pieces to put together an attractive offer:

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Phoenix has attractive assets, particularly Marcin Gortat, who could play alongside Al Horford and give the Hawks one of the best frontcourts in the Eastern Conference. They also have Jared Dudley and Michael Beasley as well as the expiring contracts of Wes Johnson, Shannon Brown (whose 2013-14 salary is non-guaranteed), Sebastian Telfair and Jermaine O’Neal.

"

Given Atlanta's desire to receive a player of Smith's caliber in return, this feels like a deal that just isn't meant to be.

Gortat is as underrated as they come at center, but aside from the Polish big, Phoenix doesn't have any valuable assets to offer.

Of course, that all assumes the Hawks don't view Michael Beasley as an asset, which is really a pretty safe assumption to make.

Portland Trail Blazers

Rumor: Blazers standing pat at deadline?

The Portland Trail Blazers place a significant burden on their starters to produce, which is why making a trade at the deadline just for the sake of making one would do the franchise no good.

Firmly in the mix for the eighth playoff seed in the Western Conference, the Blazers have established nice continuity under Terry Stotts, with All-Star weekend participants LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard leading the charge.

Given the Blazers' reluctance to break up their core group of starters and the team's inability to put together an attractive package centering around draft picks, Oregonlive.com reports that general manager Neil Olshey's options are limited:

"

The restriction on including a 2014 first round pick in a trade is of the factors stacked up against Olshey improving the team’s bench for the season’s stretch run.

“If that pick wasn’t encumbered, we would have far more flexibility in constructing a deal which would allow us to acquire a player that could contribute immediately,'' Olshey said.

"

Sacramento Kings

Rumor: No big moves on the horizon for Sacramento?

As the saga involving the sale of the Sacramento Kings to a Seattle-based group led by Chris Hansen moves forward, it appears as if the Kings' most valuable players will be staying put.

Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins are the most compelling names that the Kings have to offer in any potential deal, but as ESPN's Marc Stein reports, the team's uncertain future has put player movement on hold for the time being:

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A couple of teams consulted have volunteered the notion that Kings GM Geoff Petrie is ready to move Evans, but you have to wonder how much shot-calling Petrie can do at the minute. The greater likelihood is that the Kings don't do anything at this deadline unless it saves money or comes in cash neutral.

"

With a nice stable of young talent, new ownership will need some time before deciding which players, if any, they care to move.

San Antonio Spurs

Rumor: Teams intrigued by Spurs' Blair?

The San Antonio Spurs are quietly conducting business down in Texas, flying under the radar despite leading the NBA with a record of 38-11.

So, given the team's success it makes sense that rumors aren't circulating involving some of the team's more prominent names.

One small trade-related nugget that's worth mentioning comes courtesy of the San Jose Mercury News and involves the Golden State Warriors:

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The Warriors would love to get their hands on Denver's Timofey Mosgov, or even San Antonio's DeJuan Blair. But acquiring worthy help would require the Warriors to part with someone they like.

"

Given the caveat that the Warriors would need to part with talented prospects in exchange for Blair, a trade seems highly unlikely.

And, when you take that caveat and Tim Duncan's recent ankle and knee sprains into consideration, any deal involving Blair would appear to be a pipe dream.

Toronto Raptors

Rumor: Raptors trying to package Bargnani in a deal for Gasol?

Bryan Colangelo and the Toronto Raptors' front office started wheeling and dealing with their acquisition of Rudy Gay, and it appears as if they have no intentions of stopping there.

It's no secret that Toronto fans have become frustrated with Andrea Bargnani's production, and it appears as if the team's front office has become a bit dissatisfied themselves.

According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Raptors are looking to make a push for Los Angeles Lakers' center Pau Gasol, ultimately presenting L.A. with a package built around Bargnani:

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The Lakers' interest in Bargnani remains a matter of debate in the midst of the Italian's worst-ever season by far, but the not-for-public-consumption message that continues to emanate from Canada is that Toronto remains intent on pursuing Gasol even after trading for Gay.

"

Despite Bargnani being a more conventional stretch 4 for Mike D'Antoni's offense, there's a clear talent disparity between the Spaniard and the Italian. 

With the Lakers slowly developing an offensive identity under D'Antoni, it's hard to buy this as a deal the boys in Tinseltown would be interested in.

Utah Jazz

Rumor: Millsap more likely to be dealt than Jefferson?

Of all the teams with players on expiring deals, the Utah Jazz may have the most to work with.

Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap are both in the final year of their contracts, and both have skill sets that are sought after on the open market.

According to ESPN's Marc Stein, Paul Millsap is starting to look like the player most likely to be on the move:

"

I will say, though, that there's been more chatter recently to back the notion that Jefferson is staying put for the rest of the season. Which is another way of saying that the Jazz, based on the latest forecasts on the personnel grapevine, intend to either trade Millsap or stand pat until the offseason.

"

Millsap and Jefferson will both be 28 years old by the time the deadline rolls around, but given Millsap's versatility, he could conceivably net the Jazz more assets in a trade.

Washington Wizards

Rumor: Crawford a valuable asset?

This note dates back to the Washington Wizards' reported interest in a trade for Rudy Gay, but it's worth mentioning now as the trade deadline approaches.

According to HoopsWorld's Alex Kennedy, Crawford is viewed as one of the Wizards' most valuable assets, due to his skill set and his attractive contract:

"

More than a few league sources peg Jordan Crawford as the chip that is drawing the most interest in return from the Wizards. Crawford is an impact scorer from the bench in the mold of a Jason Terry or Jamal Crawford. He also doesn’t earn much by NBA standards, scheduled to earn just $1.19 million this season.

"

With Crawford still on a team-friendly rookie deal, it's easy to see why teams would be interested in adding a scorer of his caliber.