Pacers' trade of Artest may not happen

CLEVELAND -- The Ron Artest trade to Sacramento is off -- for now.

The Pacers had reportedly agreed to ship the volatile forward to the Sacramento Kings for Peja Stojakovic, but Indiana coach Rick Carlisle and CEO Donnie Walsh said Tuesday night that no deal was imminent.

"There is no trade right now and there may not be a trade," Carlisle said before Indiana was beaten 96-66 by the Cavaliers. "There's nothing to talk about because there is no trade."

Later, Walsh released a statement.

"As I have said before, until there is a deal completed, we do not have a deal," he said. "We do not have a deal and will not comment on any premature reports regarding a trade involving Ron Artest."

ESPN and The Indianapolis Star had reported earlier Tuesday that the teams had agreed to the trade, which was merely awaiting league approval. But Carlisle shot down that report.

"Anything involving speculation and 'what's up' can be saved for another time," Carlisle said. "If there is a trade at some point, you'll hear about it."

Artest confirmed to the Star that the deal had collapsed.