"One of the Heat's top offseason priorities will be adding a veteran center, and Miami has strong interest in Sacramento free agent Samuel Dalembert. But even if the midlevel exception remains part of the new labor deal (which is undetermined), the Heat knows other teams can offer Dalembert more and would not be surprised if he signs elsewhere.

If the midlevel survives, and if it's close to this year's $5.8 million, that would give the Heat a better chance to find a decent center who could lessen the reliance on Joel Anthony (who's better as a backup) and represent an upgrade over Zydrunas Ilgauskas (considering retirement), Erick Dampier and Jamaal Magloire. And remember, Chris Bosh will continue to log significant minutes at center when Udonis Haslem is in the game.

But if the midlevel shrinks to $2 million or so or is eliminated, that would limit Miami's options and make Dalembert highly unlikely here. The Heat will be over the cap and can sign players only to the league minimum (topping out at $1.4 million) or the two exceptions (the mid-level and the $2.2 million biannual one) if they are part of the new deal.

Among centers, potential unrestricted free agents Tyson Chandler, Nene (player option) and Glen Davis (more of a forward) would be out of Miami's price range, as would restricted free agents Marc Gasol and DeAndre Jordan.

Free agent Yao Ming said he's not sure he will be able to return from a serious ankle injury. Portland has suggested it likely will extend an $8.8 million qualifying offer to Greg Oden, making him a restricted free agent. But that's not definite."