Rodman to Clippers Is Called ‘Premature’ : Pro basketball: Talks are ongoing for a deal sending some combination of Norman, Grant, Vaught and draft picks to Pistons.

The Clippers, facing a Thursday deadline, continue to talk to the Detroit Pistons regarding a trade to bring Dennis Rodman to Los Angeles.

Reports from Michigan that it is nearly a done deal are premature, officials for both teams said Monday.

The Pistons, eager to move their disgruntled forward, and the Clippers, looking for a boost in rebounding and defense, have been discussing Rodman for months. Talks have centered on some combination of Ken Norman, Loy Vaught, Gary Grant and draft picks going to Detroit.

Norman, due to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, turned down another contract extension Monday. This one, Clipper sources said, was worth about $10 million over five years and will remain on the table at least for the near future.

The Clippers would prefer to sign Norman, their starting small forward, rather than have to trade him or get no compensation if he becomes a free agent. But nothing is certain in contract discussions that at one time seemed likely to be completed before training camp.

Rodman easily leads the league in rebounding at 19 per game, despite a season that has included many off-court problems.

Though saying all the right things publicly, he has privately told people he doesn’t like Piston Coach Ron Rothstein, whose predecessor, Chuck Daly, was a Rodman favorite.

Rodman reportedly doesn’t care much for Detroit teammates Isiah Thomas or Bill Laimbeer either.

When Rodman was found shooting basketballs at the Palace of Auburn Hills recently, and a gun from his house was missing, the Pistons asked him to see a psychiatrist, who cleared him.

Rodman also missed practice Monday, irritating Piston officials again. He missed all of training camp, despite having a contract, and they suspended him for two games for refusing to play on a knee doctors had said was fine.