Bill Ladson of MLB.com says that Adam Dunn of the Washington Nationals does not have a deadline to complete a contract extension.

Dunn, a free agent after the 2010 season, said he’ll continue with negotiations after the season starts because he does not want his name to come up in trade rumors.

“It’s not a deadline,” Dunn said. “There is progress being made, but I don’t want any distractions during the season. When [the trade deadline] comes around, my name gets thrown around. I hate that.

“If we are close to getting something done and it drags on for a couple into the season, OK. But I don’t want it to drag on until the All-Star Break or things like that. We’ll just pick it up again [after the season].”

Yesterday, Dunn’s agent, Greg Genske, said the negotiations are “amicable and upbeat,” and he optimistic about getting a deal done.

Dunn, 30, is a popular player with the Nationals’ fans. He hit .267 with 38 home runs and 105 RBIs in the 2009 season. You can see Dunn’s contract details and statistics here.