Wizards could be quiet at trade deadline

An Eastern Conference general manager who recently spoke with the Wizards said the team didn't appear open to making any trades, but that could obviously change between now and Thursday at 3 p.m.

If the Wizards make any deals, they are letting teams know that have no intention of taking back salary beyond this season. The goal for the Wizards is trying to find a deal that would yield draft picks or a promising, low-salaried prospect in return. The Wizards will do something if they find a deal that makes them better and coincides with their long-term plan.

Kirk Hinrich has generated the most interest from around the league, with the Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks among the teams that would like to add the veteran point guard who averages 11.1 points and 4.4 assists. The Wizards like Hinrich and have informed his representatives that they would like to "stay the course" with him.

Rashard Lewis and Josh Howard could also be had, but teams are leery of Lewis's gaudy contract and Howard's balky left knee. Lewis is guaranteed almost $30 million over the next two seasons after this one. Howard was pursued by several playoff contenders last summer, but one executive said teams are unwilling to sacrifice anything of value for a player who has had difficulty returning from his left knee injury, playing just 11 games this season.

The Wizards aren't shopping restricted free agents Yi Jianlian or Al Thornton, but they are available for the right price.