Jan 08, 2002 2:27 PM EST

Yesterday Sam Smith of the Chicago Tribune alluded to a potential deal between the Wizards and Blazers that could send Rasheed Wallace to Washington for a package including, but not limited to, Kwame Brown, Courtney Alexander and a 1st round pick.

ESPN.com's Ric Bucher echoes Smith's statements. To quote Bucher: "The Trail Blazers and Wizards have had trade talks involving Rasheed Wallace and Kwame Brown. Other pieces obviously would be needed to make the deal work under salary-cap restrictions, which would suggest it's a long way from happening.

The teams aren't talking about it, but we have more than enough reason for juicy speculation that both franchises are ready to make significant changes in direction."

Via