NBA Trade Rumors: Players Who Won't Escape Rumors Until Moved or Deadline Comes

Unfortunately for a number of rumored NBA players, they will be unable to elude headlines until a definitive resolution to their saga is reached.

The league has been unable to escape the flurry of trade rumors that have ensued since the end of the lockout, and there are certain players who will be unable to escape inclusion in said flurry until they are moved or the deadline passes.

There has rarely been so much talent readily-available for the taking, which accounts for the incessant amount of rumblings the league has been exposed to. New possibilities continue to emerge while other negotiations drag on, becoming repeat offenders in the brutal rumor-mill.

Uncertainty encompasses the NBA as it prepares for a heavily-condensed season, yet there is one thing for certain: until moved elsewhere or until the trade deadline officially passes, escaping headlines is not an option for certain players.

Josh Smith of Atlanta Hawks

Josh Smith's situation with the Atlanta Hawks hasn't changed, as both he and the team feel that he has run his course with the franchise.

Smith's impact on the court will make him a hot commodity, but his time within the rumor-mill will not come to an end until the Dwight Howard and Chris Paul debacles are resolved. And even then, there is no guarantee he is moved quickly.

It is becoming increasingly apparent that Smith is going to be playing in Atlanta once the season begins. The only thing we can ascertain from there is that the trade deadline is March 15th, which leaves plenty of time for Smith to remain atop the list of rumored players.

That probably isn't the type of hype he was hoping to generate.

Rajon Rondo of Boston Celtics

Rajon Rondo's appearance on the trade block was quite a surprise, and even though he has only been linked to the Hornets and Thunder, his status will not be clear until the deadline passes.

It seems unlikely that New Orleans deals Paul to the Celtics, and Oklahoma City has already made it clear they aren't interested, but Boston's willingness to trade their young star will not go overlooked, even if both deals have no legs.

Will Rondo demand a trade? Will the Celtics strike a deal with another team? Is the point guard officially the long-term plan for Boston?

The answer to the aforementioned questions will continue to be debated, until a resolution—in the form of a trade or passing of the deadline—is reached. 

O.J. Mayo of Memphis Grizzlies

Reports had O.J. Mayo potentially being headed from the Grizzlies to the Pacers, but talks broke down soon after.

Mayo has been informed that he will remain in Memphis for the foreseeable future, but one has to wonder if Chris Wallace is pulling a Danny Ainge-type move here.

Mayo has been the subject of constant trade rumors for the past two years. His two-way impact makes him a hot target, and his stubborn tendencies serves as motivation for the Grizzlies to find him a new home.

While the shooting guard believes that he is "home," rumors regarding his future will not cease to exist until a move is actually made, or March 15th passes without one. 

Chris Paul of New Orleans Hornets

Chris Paul remains a member of the Hornets for now, but with both the Clippers and Lakers making a strong push to obtain his services, that may not be the case for much longer.

Or it could be.

Paul has dominated the headlines for weeks now, and it has become abundantly clear that this will continue until he is traded, or the deadline comes to pass. 

A player of Paul's caliber is rarely available, which only inflates the coverage his future is receiving. Potential deals have already been squandered, and numerous teams have entered, left and then re-entered the equation.

His heart may no longer be in New Orleans, but until the NBA drops its standards, his body must remain. And as long as he is still with the Hornets, and as long as the calendar isn't reading March 15th, escaping the rumor-mill is anything but an option for the point guard.

Dwight Howard of Orlando Magic

Dwight Howard may be open to staying with the Magic, but expect such a reality to only extend Howard's time in the limelight.

Howard has always been open to re-upping with Orlando, but now that he has officially given them hope, they may be more reluctant than ever to trade him. To make things even more complicated though, Howard does have a wish list of other teams he would prefer to be dealt to.

The Nets are only adding fuel to this fire, as they are aggressively pursuing a trade for the big man. We also can't neglect to mention the Lakers, as they have had their eye on Howard for quite some time. 

Howard's situation is not going to be resolved overnight. Hell, it may not even be resolved by the March 15th trade deadline.

Until the star center is moved or the trade deadline comes and goes—and perhaps even beyond that— he will continue to dominate the rumor-mill headlines.

You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter here @Dan_Favale.