The NFL trade deadline is not as wild as it is in baseball, but teams still look for ways to improve.

Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks and Browns receiver Josh Gordon have been at the forefront of football's trading rumor mill in the last month or so as teams look to make upgrades late in the season. Most recently, however, it was barely-used San Francisco 49ers running back LaMichael James who found himself involved in the latest trade rumors.

One of the reasons why James' name was thrown around the trading block was because of his team's lack of commitment to him. He has only carried the ball seven times this season for 31 yards and some are wondering whether another team could use his services down the stretch.

Turns out it was all for naught. 49ers GM Trent Baalke learned of the rumors and quickly put it to rest with a clear 'no' to the question of whether or not he wants to ship his running back.

"We're not interested in trading LaMichael," Baalke said to The San Francisco Chronicle. Despite the 49ers' reluctance to give him playing time, the GM went as far as saying that "LaMichael's a key player."

"We have a crowded backfield -- that plays into it," he said. "When he's gotten his opportunity, you've seen his ability."

Although he said he is not interested in trading him now, it doesn't mean there isn't an offer -- or a circumstance -- in the world that would change his mind.

"You never know what tomorrow brings with respect to personnel and your roster," Baalke said. "You're always looking."