With speculation surrounding Indiana’s plans to move Ron Artest hitting Manny/Miggy levels (sort of), what better source to turn to than the Atlanta Hawks’ Al Harrington? From the Indianapolis Star’s Mike Wells.

Al Harrington told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Wednesday that he heard from people in Indiana the Pacers were close to a deal that would send Artest to the Los Angeles Clippers for forward Corey Maggette.

“Any team with a sane Ron Artest is going to be tough to deal with,” Harrington told the Atlanta newspaper. “Any team he’s on with his mind right is going to the playoffs and is going to make some noise. So it’ll be good for Ron and for the Clippers.”

Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh declined comment Wednesday.

The Pacers placed Artest on the inactive list Dec. 12, two days after he voiced his desire to be traded. Artest said he hears the rumors about where he will end up.

“You hear about them, but you never know what’s true,” he said. “I’m just waiting to find out which team I’ll be playing for.”

Artest hasn’t appeared in a game since Dec. 6.

“I’m out of shape right now,” Artest said. “I’ve been working out at my gym at home, but it’s not the same as playing in an NBA game. It’s going to take me about a month after I get traded for me to get back into basketball shape.”

The New York Post’s Marc Berman is reporting the Knicks’ offer of Quentin Richardson for the Nuggets’ Earl Watson has been rejected.