The Big Day Has Arrived

The NBA returns from its midseason All-Star break and siesta on Thursday, and much of the action won’t be on the court. The trading deadline arrives at 3 p.m. ET, while play resumes in the evening with just three games.

The rumors fly fast in the trade market, where two deals occurred in the last few days, none involving marquee names. The common thread is that the Atlanta Hawks may hold the key to myriad deals if they actually do try to move Al Horford and Jeff Teague. The Hawks have been a disappointment through the first half of the season after winning 60 games last year.

Don’t expect the Los Angeles Clippers to deal Blake Griffin. Coach Doc Rivers said it won’t happen, Griffin has publicly apologized for his punch-out of the team’s assistant equipment manager last month and harmony may again rule. Unless the Clips decide they simply must get in the chase for the New Orleans Pelicans’ 3-point shooter, Ryan Anderson. The Clippers also appear to want to send Lance Stephenson elsewhere, perhaps to Orlando, if they can get the Magic to part with Channing Frye. Stop me if you’ve heard of these guys.

Anderson is also supposedly coveted by the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Chicago Bulls are actively trying to move Pau Gasol, or not trying actively to move him, depending on whom you believe.

The Houston Rockets might rid themselves of Dwight Howard and might not. In the tough Western Conference – and after firing their coach – they’re 27-28 and ninth in the chase for eight playoff spots. If this is the fun, bring on the games.

Ah, rumors. Rumors and reports and sources. Remember, where there’s smoke, there’s smoke. Not necessarily fire.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman