By PAOLA BOIVIN
The Arizona Republic

PHOENIX - Randy Johnson and the Arizona Diamondbacks have never discussed a trade, said the pitcher's agent, who Friday questioned reports that the team is shopping Johnson around.

"If they are canvassing the major leagues, they are wasting their time," Barry Meister said.

The Diamondbacks haven't asked Johnson to waive his no-trade clause, Meister said, and Johnson has not asked for a trade.

"And he has certainly not presented a list of teams he would be willing to play for, nor has the team asked him to present a list."

Several published reports suggest the Diamondbacks have called numerous teams to measure the return Johnson could bring. Boston, Anaheim and the New York Yankees are the teams mentioned most frequently. Other reports say Johnson has told the team he would be willing to waive his no-trade clause to play with the Yankees.

"Not true," Meister said. "Randy and I have not even discussed where he would want to go if he were ever willing to go."

When asked why Johnson doesn't take a clearer stance on his future intentions, Meister said the pitcher prefers to take things "start by start" and doesn't like to indulge speculation.

The double-speak and confusion that has defined these past few weeks shed light on the complicated relationships between players and ownership.

Keeping options open and not offending the other side is a delicate juggling act. Public perception also must be taken into account.

Trading Johnson for young talent would be a way to speed up the process for a team in a rebuilding mode.

Johnson is a fan favorite, however, and a trade likely would cost the team season ticket holders.

The Diamondbacks have stopped answering specific questions about Johnson.

Meister said the steady stream of inaccurate reports floors him.

"As far as from this side, there are only two credible sources, and that's me and Randy," Meister said.