A popular rumor-monger made some comments in a blog over the weekend that have a lot of people talking about the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Houston Rockets swapping guard Tracy McGrady for a package that includes guard Wally Szczerbiak.

Aside from responding to a few emails and questions in my Monday morning blog, I've chosen to let this one come and go. The Rockets have always been quick to chant their mantra - "We're not trading Tracy McGrady" - and there's not much reason to think they would change that tune now.

My thinking on this is changing a bit now, however. I have to give a shout out to the guys at 790 AM "The Sports Animal" in Houston, a show I am on somewhat regularly. They brought to my attention that the Rockets have had McGrady get multiple opinions from respected orthodpedic surgeons regarding his ankle, and the answer has always been that he needs to play on the ankle for it to get better.

Here's what happens, in case you're fortunate enough to not understand what's up with this kind of injury. A surgeon can repair structural damage, but there is still the issue of scar tissue that builds up to help the healing process along. Once you start rehab you have to break up that scar tissue, and the only way to do that is to work the soft tissue around the injury. It hurts. There are pops and pains. It's not pleasant. But at the end of the day, the only way to heal is to clench your teeth, maybe get a cortisone shot, and just grit it out.

Playing through pain has never been McGrady's strong suit, and the basis of this new trade rumor is that he might do better in a situation where he's shouldering less of the load - like playing alongside LeBron James in Cleveland.

There has been plenty of talk about the Cavs shopping Wally Z's ending contract, and if the Rockets feel they can't get 100% from McGrady perhaps they'll want to cut their losses - especially with the news that Ron Artest has torn ligaments in his ankle and may need to miss more games. Honestly, though, I wouldn't mess with what the Cavs have going on. I understand the thinking that another All-Star helps them compete with Boston, but an argument can be made that they're as good as Boston right now.

Is it possible the Cavs and Rockets have had a conversation? Sure. Do I see a trade happening? Don't hold your breath. I can't imagine Cleveland wanting to introduce the McGrady health drama into their locker room.

The Summer of Nash?

I was recently shooting the breeze with an NBA executive, talking some about the two big trades of last season that haven't worked out as well as was hoped: Kidd to Dallas and Shaq to Phoenix. As we talked about the Suns, the conversation took an odd turn.

"What you really want to ask is why the Suns haven't extended Steve Nash yet."

I asked for clarification, as our information has Nash signed through the infamous summer of 2010.

"Actually, the final year of his contract is only partially guaranteed, meaning he's eligible for an extension now. Why do you think the Suns haven't extended him?"

I can guess, of course. The Suns are falling well short of preseason expectations and could be understandably hesitant to commit to a player who's near the end of his career - especially in the form of an extension that would pay him a lot of money and be hard to trade. If the Suns have the option to make some radical roster changes this summer at the expense of Nash, you have to figure they'd consider it if this season continues to go as it has so far. The summer of 2009 may become the summer of Nash.

HOOPSWORLD has reached out to the Suns for clarification or a statement, but calls have not been returned as of this writing.

First Look At Tonight's Action

Indiana Pacers @ Toronto Raptors: Two teams falling well short of expectations take the court in this one. Mitchell has already been a casualty - is O'Brien close behind?

New York Knicks @ New Jersey Nets: The Knicks are playing better after the Harrington trade, but wins are still elusive. The Nets have been red hot riding emerging point guard Devin Harris.

Charlotte Bobcats @ New Orleans Hornets: The Hornets made a nice move today, bringing in Antonio Daniels to help fill the void left by Jannero Pargo's departure. The Bobcats are hopeless - especially away from home. The rumored signing of Juwan Howard won't help much, either.

Cleveland Cavaliers @ Philadelphia 76ers: This one should have been a marquee match-up, but the Sixers aren't holding up their side of the marquee. Cleveland is looking better with each passing game.

Memphis Grizzlies @ Oklahoma City Thunder: A coaching change hasn't helped the Thunder, though their youth movement has kicked into high gear. The Grizz are coming off of a big win over Houston.

Atlanta Hawks @ San Antonio Spurs: The Hawks were flying high after Josh Smith's return, but this Texas trip has been brutal. They're hoping to catch the Spurs on an off night after San Antonio needed double OT to beat Dallas on Tuesday.

Minnesota Timberwolves @ Denver Nuggets: The Timberwolves also have a new coach, and pushed the Utah Jazz to the limit last night. The Nuggets have been on the verge of greatness since acquiring Chauncey Billups.

Milwaukee Bucks @ Golden State Warriors: Injuries are a huge issue for the Warriors, though they managed to break a nine-game losing streak by beating the Thunder on Monday. The Bucks have Michael Redd back and are looking to break a five-game skid of their own.

Phoenix Suns @ Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers are looking to take out their frustration after a whipping at the hands of the Kings last night. The Suns will be without Shaq. Sound like a blowout to anyone else?