Sportsfrog.com

Here’s a brief look at some of the rumors swirling as the NBA draft approaches (hat-tips to HoopsHype, RealGM, and DraftExpress)….

Picks and Prospects:

Bill Walker’s knee injury, which was originally reported to be a torn meniscus, is now being reported by those close to the Kansas State player as a minor ligament strain.

Donte’ Greene of Syracuse is sliding in mock drafts from the mid-first to the late first.

Some reports list that Anthony Randolph of LSU may fall out of the lottery, as well. However, there are others that say the Bucks will take him at #8 overall. Smoke screen, anyone?

DeAndre Jordan of Texas A&M may fall out of the first round altogether.

Wheels and deals:

Toronto and Indiana are allegedly talking about a deal that centers around Jermaine O’Neal going north of the border in exchange for TJ Ford and Rasho Nesterovic. The trade would include the Raptors sending another player for contract reasons and possibly the #17 pick. There are also allegedly three other teams with interest in bringing in Ford via trade. Toronto is also interested in acquiring Boris Diaw of the Suns. Speculation is that Ford could go here, as well, and be reunited with his former coach, Terry Porter.

The Heat are expecting Shawn Marion to not opt out of his contract for $17.8 million for next season. The Heat are also rumored to be sending the #2 pick and Mark Blount to Seattle for the #4 pick and Chris Wilcox.

Josh Smith from Atlanta is expected to ask for a contract starting at $11 million. If the Hawks balk at that request, Detroit and Philadelphia are expected to be big players for the high-flyer in a sign-and-trade.

Minnesota’s #3 pick may get sent somewhere. The Clippers may package #7 and their 2009 pick plus a future Minnesota pick for it. Charlotte may send #9 and Adam Morrison to the Great North for it. However, Morrison not only tore his knee up last year, but he won’t even be ready for summer league play. Charlotte is also allegedly interested in getting a second first-rounder to snap up Georgetown big man Roy HIbbert.

The ludicrous:

Malik Rose and David Lee from the Knicks to the Grizzlies for Brian Cardinal and the #5 pick. I’m as big a fan of Lee as the next non-Knicks fan, but he doesn’t bring enough to the table to merit the #5 overall pick.