How do trade rumors affect a player both on and off the court? Do feelings of beign unwanted go through their heads? Can they look their coach and teammates in their eye? Does their performance on the court suffer as their mind wanders through the insecurity?

Kwame Brown of the Washington Wizards is learning first hand how it feels. Steve Wyche of the Washington Post writes that the second year phenom is not happy and quite bothered about the recent trade rumors that have involved his name.

"I get phone calls from people who say. 'You're getting traded,' " Brown said. "I get frustrated hearing it. To hear that, it's like 'They don't want me?' " Brown said.

According to Wyche Brown has been assured that he won't be dealt, with Wyche himself claiming that a Wizards source has as much to him. The source also confirmed a report by the Orlando Sentinel on the Magic's offer of draft picks and cash in exchange for Brown and said that teams have been calling about Brown, only to be rebuffed because management feels he is on track to developing into a star.

According to Jerry Brewer of the Orlando Sentinel, the Magic see Brown as a future star who is in an impossible situation. If he can escape the grasp of the ever-demanding Jordan he could quickly develop into a star. For this reason the Magic may just sweaten their deal to a combination of Mike Miller and draft pick(s)/cash. The team, however, is reluctant to do this with question marks still lying over Grant Hill and his problematic ankle.

Via washington post

Washington Wizards, Orlando Magic

Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets