For the last several weeks, Sam Cassell has heard the gossip on the talk shows and read the rumors in the newspaper.

The Milwaukee Bucks' veteran point guard has heard how he could be dealt before today's 5 p.m. NBA trading deadline. Cassell has heard all the bogus deals, about how he's going to be swapped for Seattle's Gary Payton or Cleveland's Andre Miller.

It's gotten so crazy Cassell has even concocted a trade for himself.

"I think they should trade me to the Los Angeles Lakers for Derek Fisher and a No. 1 pick," Cassell said before breaking out laughing. "I think that would be a good trade for both teams."

Cassell chortled again.

To Cassell, trades are just a fact of life in professional sports. He knows he has little or no control over his fate, so he takes all the trade talk in stride.

Bucks general manager Ernie Grunfeld has discussed a number of trade scenarios recently other league officials and with Bucks associates, including owner Herb Kohl and Bucks coach George Karl.

Grunfeld, who has final say on trades, must decide whether he can find a difference-maker for his team. He realizes the Bucks have the talent to be title contenders, but he also knows his team has holes to plug and some chemistry issues to resolve.