Pacers Talks With Cavaliers, Kings Appear Quiet With NBA Trade Deadline Looming

On the eve of the NBA trading deadline, which hits at 3:00PM EST tomorrow afternoon, the trade rumors continue chugging along to the finish line.

The rumors involving the Indiana Pacers in general and Troy Murphy in particular have become faint, though. Today's links have plenty of updates but include scarce mention of the Pacers.

Cleveland appears focused on Amare Stoudemire and then Antawn Jamison for their power forward needs. Other reports have Corey Maggette and the third choice for the Cavs as a last resort should a deal for either Stoudemire or Jamison fail to materialize.

There are no updates out of Sacramento on their interest in Troy Murphy and Milwaukee has pulled away from negotiation, apparently over the Pacers refusal to take on Charlie Bell's contract which has two years remaining after this season. I imagine, there's a similar story in negotiations with the Kings and Beno Udrih's contract which is more onerous than Bell's with three  more years and about twice the money.

As much as I'd like to see a trade to shake things up, if the net result isn't an expiring contract, draft pick or cheap young talent then forget it. Take those expiring contracts into the summer or next season and see what happens. As much as I'd like to think otherwise, there is no quick fix coming unless the Cavs or Kings have a change of heart.

Of course, trades usually emerge from the Pacers after a period of silence when nothing appears to be brewing. With another day to go, there's still plenty of time for some trade noise.

After the jump, plenty of links about the Spus visit tonight and trade deadline chatter.

• PACERS: Scouting Report: Pacers vs. Spurs
  Bruno's scouting report looks at the challenging schedule facing the Pacers after the All-Star break. Earl Watson for one, is looking forward to the challenge ahead.
• Pacers work on fixing silly errors
  Mike Wells reports on the Pacers looking to just play well and take it one game at a time, although don't expect a youth movement after the All-Star break.
• Pacers' Foster has back surgery
  As expected, Jeff Foster had successful lower back surgery yesterday. See you in Octorber, 10.
• Wait and see: Stoudemire remains Cleveland Cavaliers' top target, but Jamison still a strong option
  Brian Windhorst updates the Cleveland side of the trade deadline with the Cavs still working on Amare Stoudemire. But it appears, Troy Murphy has fallen out of any fall-back plans with Antawn Jamision being next in line.
• Trade buzz: Amar'e done with Suns?
  Adrian Wojnarowski and Marc J. Spears offer up the latest trade chatter, including the Bucks and Pacers going their separate ways over the Pacers reluctance to keep Charlie Bell and his multi-year contract out of the mix. Whew.
• Sources: Houston Rockets mull New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls Tracy McGrady deals
  Marc Stein reports on the trade talk surrounding Tracy McGrady heating up with the deadline approaching as the Bulls and Knicks look for cap space heaven.
• Spurs look to trade McDyess, eye Thomas
  Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Spurs are looking to move Antonio McDyess before the trade deadline with an eye on Chicago's Tyrus Thomas. I guess we'll see if McDyess is in the lineup tonight at the Fieldhouse.
• Spurs working to trade Mason
  Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Spurs are also trying to move Roger Mason. So I guess we'll see if he is in the lineup tonight, as well.
• San Antonio Spurs shopping Richard�Jefferson before trade deadline
  Frank Hughes reports that the Spurs are shopping Richard Jefferson. We'll see if he shows up in the starting lineup tonight at the Fieldhouse.
• Nuggets' Karl says he has cancer, will try to stay with team
  Thoughts and prayers with Denver coach George Karl as he begins the grind to treat throat cancer. Here's to a strong recovery.