Thursday is the NBA trade deadline and some big names are being shopped around, as usual. Normally, the NBA trade deadline comes and goes without much fanfare, but with Allen Iverson being dealt already this year, the Denver Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers could have started something big. Some NBA teams that are looking to improve before the playoffs start could get some much-needed offensive and defensive punch. Here are some of the NBA rumors I heard over the All-Star weekend.

Pau Gasol - Memphis Grizzlies: Chicago is the only team I'm hearing about possibly trading for Pau Gasol. The Bulls are still in pursuit of a big man that can score down low in the post. Is Pau Gasol that player? If the Bulls make this trade they might have to give up two of their young talents like Ben Gordon, Kirk Hinrich or Luol Deng. If you are Chicago you don't give two of these key players.

Vince Carter - New Jersey Nets: I'm hearing the Orlando Magic are interested in Vince Carter. This deal would include Vince Carter for Grant Hill and one more Magic player such as either JJ Redick or perhaps Hedo Turkoglu.

Jason Kidd - New Jersey Nets: When the rumors first started over All-Star weekend there were three teams being mentioned: Cleveland, Golden State and the Los Angeles Lakers. On Monday, only one team was being mentioned, the Lakers. Can you imagine this team with Kobe Bryant and Kidd on the same basketball court? But if the Lakers want Kidd they would have to give up 7-foot teen center Andrew Bynum, a Jersey native and maybe Luke Walton.

Corey Maggette - Los Angeles Clippers: Corey Maggette's name has been on and off the market since December. This weekend his name has surfaced again in some trade rumors. The San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks all have been mentioned.

Luke Ridnour - Seattle SuperSonics: The Atlanta Hawks are interested in the Seattle Sonics point guard. Luke Ridnour would be able to give Joe Johnson the rock where he wants it.

Chucky Atkins - Memphis Grizzlies: The Pistons, Lakers and Heat are all interested in this veteran point guard. Chucky Atkins is in his final year of his contract so he could help a playoff team.

Other players mentioned over the weekend were Mike Bibby from Sacramento, Ron Artest from Sacramento, Mike James from Minnesota, Jamaal Magloire from Portland and Melvin Ely from Charlotte.