NBA Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz on Paul Pierce, J.J. Redick and More

As we draw closer to the NBA's trading deadline, all seems quiet on the transaction front. We haven't seen any truly shocking deals as of yet, no blockbusters that shake up the playoff picture or reenergize a fanbase. 

Nope, for right now all we can do is speculate, stay glued to Twitter and hope at least one general manager or two throws caution to the wind and makes a major deal.

There is still plenty of talk out there, folks, and I've accumulated the buzz on a few of the most interesting names reportedly being discussed. To the speculation!

Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics

While Kevin Garnett has dominated a lot of the trade talk in the past two weeks—and the debate has raged over whether or not the team should deal Rajon Rondo—it looks like Paul Pierce's name has now come up in trade rumors.

From Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated:

It would be pretty shocking to see Pierce, a man that has meant so much to Boston during his career, dumped at the deadline. I understand the Celtics need to get younger, but if Pierce was moved by the end of Thursday afternoon I would be shocked.

J.J. Redick, Orlando Magic

Redick is having a breakout season for the Magic, averaging 15.1 points and 4.4 assists this season. The long-ranger sharpshooter has become one of the most popular names on the block, and it seems like half the league has interest. 

Here's what we've learned today.

We start with Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, who has updates on the San Antonio Spurs and Milwaukee Bucks:

Meanwhile, Ken Berger of CBS is reporting the Chicago Bulls will likely back out of trade talks for Redick as well:

I would expect Redick to be moved today, but for now it seems like the price is too high for many teams. 

Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings

We've been on a bit of a roller coaster when it comes to Tyreke Evans trade talk today. 

First we saw this, from Marc Stein of ESPN:

But then Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee tweeted the following:

Well then. For now, it looks like it's safe to assume Evans will remain with the Kings for at least the duration of the season. 

Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks

Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about the one guy that will actually be traded before the deadline. Well, most likely will be traded. 

Unfortunately, right now the buzz is all about which teams are dropping out of the running, not those teams that seem likely to make a deal happen.

Sam Amick of USA Today is hearing the Houston Rockets are dropping out of the Smith sweepstakes:

However, Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News reports that the Brooklyn Nets still believe they can get something done before the deadline:

I just have this sneaky suspicion that a surprise team will emerge and shock us all by landing Smith. I suppose nothing would actually be too shocking—since half the league has inquired—but we're cutting it pretty close here.

If Smith isn't at least moved, this is going to go down as a very disappointing deadline.