"The Heat is exploring any and every option available through free agency to upgrade at the center position, including possibly making a run at chronically injured Trail Blazers big man Greg Oden.

ESPN.com reported Sunday that Heat president Pat Riley is working on a sales pitch for Oden, who hasn't played a game since 2009 because of injuries but holds a qualifying offer of $8.9 million with the Trail Blazers for the upcoming season.

With only the $5 million midlevel exception at its disposal, the Heat's bargaining chips are limited. Riley would have to appeal to Oden's desire to play for a championship-ready team to lure Oden away from Portland, which has waited patiently for Oden to recover from various knee injuries."