41.   Even with the Wayne Gretzky trade rumors, Messier may be the transcendent celebrity playing here.

42.   Expect to hear his name in a few trade rumors as the trading deadline nears.

43.   Expect to hear plenty of trade rumors involving the Heat between now and draft day.

44.   Far more players are mentioned in trade talks or trade rumors than are ever actually traded.

45.   Fielder also believes the Mariners might be struggling because of all the trade rumors revolving around Randy Johnson.

46.   First baseman Eric Karros has also had it with being included in every trade rumor to emanate from the organization.

47.   Five years ago, with trade rumors swirling and his contract extension in the balance, Patrick Ewing was persuaded to stay in New York.

48.   From spring training onward, trade rumors would follow Daulton, some teams coveting his bat and believing his stern sense of purpose would solve clubhouse problems.

49.   General manager Gerry Hunsicker declined Wednesday to discuss specific trade rumors or players involved but said he is not surprised by the speculation.

50.   Forget trade rumors involving Gary Payton, who is guaranteed to return.