" The Nets bought out veteran point guard Rafer Alston, who is expected to sign with the Heat when he clears waivers.

In a separate move, the Nets acquired point guard Chris Quinn, a 2012 second-round pick and cash from Miami for a conditional 2010 second-round pick, protected through 50.

Since the Nets will finish with one of the worst records, their second-round pick will be in the 30s so they will retain their pick. They will have to give Miami a trade exception for Quinn's contract, though.

These moves save the Nets roughly $1 million — Alston will receive $4.2 million of the $5.25 million his salary calls for this season — and get them an additional draft pick. They will receive about $640,000 from Miami to cover Quinn's salary for the rest of this season.

Alston, acquired from Orlando in the Vince Carter deal, had been benched the prior two games and has seen his playing time dramatically cut since Keyon Dooling returned from hip surgery.

The Nets tried to trade Alston, and when they couldn't, decided to let him go and pick his destination. Miami is the frontrunner.

"To be able to set up the situation where he can potentially get to where he wants to go and out of a situation that is not good for him, I think is really good for everybody," Nets coach/general manager Kiki Vandeweghe said. "Hopefully it ends up good for him."

Quinn, who is in the final year of his contract, is an insurance policy at point guard. He averaged 5.6 points and 2.2 assists in three prior years with Miami, but hasn't played this season."