The Magic have started to consider a package of younger players if they trade Dwight Howard. (Getty Images)

The NBA trade deadline is Thursday, March 15th at 3 p.m. EST. With the deadline looming, the usual amount of chatter has ramped up as executives furiously work the phones trying to bring the missing piece to their teams (or blow the whole thing up). Trade Deadline Buzz brings you the latest in what's going on throughout the league. 

7:30 p.m. EST
  • SI.com reports that the Oklahoma City Thunder are "not in the Dwight Howard sweepstakes," despite reports to the contrary. A source tells CBSSports.com as well that an Oklahoma City deal involving Howard as a rental is "absolutely not happening."
7:00 p.m. EST

Ken Berger has the latest on trade talks, including:

  • The Hornets have put Emeka Okafor on the block next to Chris Kaman. That would suggest a legitimate firesale mode for the Hornets as they continue to rebuild from the Chris Paul trade. Given the shortness of quality centers in the league, Okafor would be at a premium and is just the kind of player teams look to add at the deadline, even with his sizeable contract. 
  • The Rockets are still chasing Pau Gasol but no deal is imminent. More on that here. 
  • The Bucks can't give away Stephen Jackson. The guy's reportedly considered toxic. 

Meanwhile around the rest of the web:

7:00 p.m. 

  • Chris Mannix of SI.com reports that the Rockets will not include Kyle Lowry in any discussions for Pau Gasol. Lowry's value has honestly been raised to an awkward point. His small-ish contract means he's exceptionally moveable and easy to fit a team around, salary-cap-wise. But he's playing at an All-Star level, and surrendering him essentially means giving up an All-Star who isn't treated as such.
  • Jackie MacMullan of ESPN Boston spoke with Larry Bird who said that the going price for Ray Allen in the recent past was Tyler Hansbrough and a first-round pick. That's a steep price to pay for an expiring former All-Star who is seriously getting up there in age. 

12 p.m. EST
  • SI.com reports that Chris Kaman is getting offers again. 
    Sources close to the situation said the Hornets continue to talk to teams about a possible Kaman trade, with the Rockets, Warriors, Heat, Pacers and Celtics among those still interested. The NBA-owned Hornets, sources say, are looking for pieces in return that would help build their new foundation (i.e. draft picks or young players), and the odds appear slim that any of the teams will satisfy the league's demands. The Rockets and Warriors, specifically, continue to pursue Howard and would be hesitant to give up pieces in a Kaman deal first.
    via Hornets still shopping Chris Kaman; Magic brass at odds over Dwight Howard - Sam Amick - SI.com. 
    SI also says that if the Hornets don't find a suitor, they may offer Kaman an extension. Which would be a pretty terrible move as they try and move forward in the draft. Kaman offers little value to them long-term if they're bringing in, with any luck, Anthony Davis, Thomas Robinson, or Jared Sullinger. Even as a mentor, his price tag would be too high for a declining skillset. 

    The Celtics make the most sense with their absence of a legitimate center and the Heat are kind of suprising. What exactly would the Heat offer in that situation? Norris Cole and Eddy Curry? But the offers continue to come in which a good thing as Kaman attempts to find the right situation for him to contribute.  
9 a.m. EST  
Ken Berger of CBSSports.com reported late Thursday night a number of pivotal nuggets in his latest post-ups, including: 

  • The Magic have moved past wanting veterans as reported by other outlets previously and are targeting a "Denver Nuggets in return for Melo"-type package of young players and picks in retun for Dwight Howard. This is a much more reasonable and attractive package long-term for the Magic and you have to wonder if that signals a move towards accepting it's time to trade Dwight. 
  •  Here's a shocker. The Rockets are aggressively pursuing a star. The Rockets are said to be considerin taking the "rental" option on Dwight, which is a pretty brilliant move. Should the Rockets convince Howard to stay, they have the franchise player they need going foward. If they don't, they've cleared cap space and can truly rebuild. It's probably time to stop drifting in NBA purgatory. 
  • Atlanta remains on the fringe for Howard, because of his familiarity with the city and a strong connection with Josh Smith, though you would assume Smith would have to be moved in the deal. 
Elsewhere:
  • Doc Rivers and Danny Ainge went on the offensive this week to try and shut up trade talks. Unfortunately, rumors keep spilling out regarding the Celtics shopping everyone under the sun, outside of Rajon Rondo, which common talk has shifted to say is only available for a top dollar return.
  • ESPN (via IAmAGM.com) reports that Pau Gasol is "more comfortable" with being traded to Houston than he was at the time of the vetoed Chris Paul trade. 
  • There are reports the Cavaliers want a first-round pick for Ramon Sessions, nothing less. The question remains what kind of first-rounder will qualify. Big difference between pick 22 and pick 12. 
  • Stephen Jackson, who is in open revolt against the Bucks and Scott Skiles, spoke openly about playing in Chicago. From CSN Chicago: 
    “Who wouldn’t want to play with Derrick Rose? Right up the street; it would be a great fit for me. I don’t think anybody in the league would say they wouldn’t want to do that, but me, at the end of the day, I just want to play. I’ve been a competitor my whole career, I’ve won everywhere I’ve went, so at this point, I just want to get back on the court and do what I do best, wherever that is,” Jackson told CSNChicago.com Wednesday morning. “I’m just here, working out every day, just waiting for my opportunity, so I can be ready, but that’s always my goal, to win a championship and I know being on a team like that, it wouldn’t be that hard.
    via Thibodeau talks possible trade targets for Bulls.

    Unfortunately Jackson's killed his value to a point where the Bulls wouldn't surrender any of the good bench mob pieces they have. Taj Gibson, Omer Asik, Kyle Korver, Ronnie Brewer, anyone would be a great get for Milwaukee, but Jackson's killed his value with his play and behavior. Nice work, Captain.