NBA Trading Deadline Beckons Near

The NBA trading deadline is almost here and numerous NBA teams are busy signing contracts and completing deals, hoping that they are making all the right moves for an NBA Championship.

Of course, the biggest name most likely to be dealt to another team is that of Steve Francis. The Knicks are rumored to be THIS CLOSE in landing ''The Franchise'' in New York City.

If Francis do land in New York, he, together with Stephon Mabury, will form a backcourt with a combined five All-Star appearances.

The Los Angeles Lakers are also rumored to be interested with Steve Francis. Rumors say that the Lakers are willing to give up Lamar Odom for the disgruntled guard.

The Detroit Pistons, after sending Darko Milicic to Orlando, are not done dealing players yet.

There are rumors saying that the Pistons are interested in bolstering their point guard situation, especially with the departure of Carlos Arroyo from the Darko Milicic deal.

The Pistons have their eyes on point guards Brevin Knight, Tyronn Lue and Speedy Claxton.

The NBA trading deadline is closing in. Third string towers are becoming hot commodities. Expiring contracts are becoming huge news items.

But blockbuster trades are yet to be finalized.

As the NBA trading deadline passes, I have my money on either one or two blockbuster trades materializing. You can take that to the bank.