Heat Trade Rumors

"So Pat Riley is stepping down as coach of the Heat. Hey, whatever floats his boat. The thought I can't get out of my mind is that the Heat will be good again someday, probably sooner than anyone thinks, and then Riley will appear magically on the sideline once more, no longer finding the job of head coach so tiresome."

"Last place and the Hall of Fame will be the final two stops of Pat Riley's coaching career. In a move that took days of deliberation but was hinted at months in advance, Riley will announce today he is stepping down as coach of the Heat to concentrate full time on what had been his dual role as team president, according to sources familiar with the situation. Assistant coach Erik Spoelstra is expected to be named his replacement at a 4 p.m. news conference"

"Pat Riley has scheduled a Monday afternoon news conference where he is expected to step down as coach of the Miami Heat but remain in the role of team president. Riley has two more seasons remaining on a contract that gives him the leeway to serve in the dual role or exclusively as president."

"Elton Brand and Corey Maggette of the Los Angeles Clippers could have expiring contracts going into next season and therefore be trade-deadline bargains. The same could be true for Sacramento forward Ron Artest and Washington guard Gilbert Arenas. And New Orleans guard Jannero Pargo, Philadelphia guard Andre Miller and swingman Andre Iguodala, Portland sharpshooter James Jones, and Toronto guard Carlos Delfino, to name a few."

"It's against that backdrop of issues that Riley and Arison will meet this week, possibly as early as Tuesday, to discuss the direction of a team looking to regroup from a season that began ugly and only deteriorated. In recent weeks, Riley, who said he was spending last weekend evaluating his options, has sounded as though he were leaning toward stepping down as coach after 25 seasons that have included five NBA titles and 1,210 victories, third-most in history."

"Free agent Ricky Davis -- who said Shaquille O'Neal called him with a ''little apology'' after Shaq took a verbal shot at Davis and Chris Quinn -- said he's looking for midlevel exception money ($6 million annually). It's unlikely Miami would go nearly that high, though he can be re-signed without using the exception."

"Speaking about his future for the first time, Marion confirmed our earlier report that he ''definitely'' would like a contract extension and will have agent Dan Fegan ask the Heat for one this summer -- even though Miami's seemingly in no position to do that because it wants big salary-cap space in 2009... The Heat might not get a chance in '09 to lure Elton Brand, who hasn't decided whether to opt out this summer instead. "

"The only certainty next season is that Dwyane Wade will return and the Heat will have one of the top four picks in the draft. Players like Marion (should he decide not to opt out of the final year of his contract), Udonis Haslem and Dorell Wright, and even the draft pick, could be traded. Ricky Davis and Jason Williams are free agents and Alonzo Mourning has not decided if he will retire."

"Unless Marion opts out of the $17.8 million he is due next season, the Heat again will be operating above the salary cap in 2008-09. Further, by signing a player to a multiyear mid-level contract, it could severely limit the Heat's future flexibility should Marion depart in the 2009 offseason."

"Impending free agent forward/center Earl Barron said he hopes to be re-signed. ''I would love to come back,'' he said. ``But there are going to be a lot of changes this summer, and come October it's going to be a different look. But I've been here three years, I know the system, the city, I know everything there is to know about the team.''"

"Davis has financial incentive to play every game. He's an unrestricted free agent at season's end and it's doubtful he'll be able to match this year's $6.8 million salary on the open market."

"With part of its $6 million exception, the Heat should be able to find a stopgap center from an unrestricted free agent list, including San Antonio's (and Heat alum) Kurt Thomas and Fabricio Oberto, Memphis' Kwame Brown, New Jersey's DeSagana Diop, Houston's Dikembe Mutombo, Minnesota and former Heat center Michael Doleac, Seattle's Francisco Elson, Toronto's Primoz Brezec and Sacramento's Lorenzen Wright. New Jersey's Stromile Swift and Toronto's Rasho Nesterovic have player options."

"Pat Riley said he would announce his coaching future quickly after the season, but there still are many questions. How quickly will he make an announcement? Which way he is leaning?"

"Heat president and coach Pat Riley once said one of his few career regrets was not walking away from the bench two years ago after one of his best seasons as a coach. Now, Riley appears more inclined to step down following one of his worst -- one, ironically, that featured the announcement of his Hall of Fame induction this fall. For the third time in a week, Riley has hinted that the final games of the Heat's dismal season just might be his last as a coach."

"Riley expressed an interest in re-signing erratic Ricky Davis, even speaking of the ``kind of role we would expect him to play next year. For the last four or five years [he] has been a playmaker in his mind, a go-to guy. . . . In our exit meeting, I will give him a series of numbers to show why he might have to adapt his game with us.''"

"A potentially historically bad season for the Heat apparently hasn't soured forward Ricky Davis on re-signing with the team. Davis, whose contract is set to expire after the season, said he remains agreeable to a return to the Heat."

"The contract statuses of guard Blake Ahearn and forwards Stephan Lasme and Kasib Powell remained uncertain Sunday night -- but at least one of them is in for a long road trip. The Heat previously was granted two injury-based roster exemptions, allowing them 17 players under contract. But one of those is expiring, lowering the team's roster size to 16."

"The Heat has suited up a franchise-record-tying 22 players this year, and Miami could say a few more farewells soon. The 10-day contracts of forward Stephane Lasme and guard Blake Ahearn will expire after Sunday's game against the Celtics, and forward Kasib Powell's will be up after Monday's game at Indiana."

"Brand also maintained he intends to be a Clipper next season. He again fell just short of saying he will not use his opt-out clause and test free agency. Brand is believed to still be wavering on whether to opt out of the final year of his contract in which he is due $16.4 million. Few teams, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Grizzlies among them, are expected to have enough salary-cap space to sign a high-profile free agent."

"Shawn Marion played about as well as the Heat could have expected before his recent back spasms, but their relationship will be tested this summer. Though Marion and agent Dan Fegan aren't ready to discuss their intentions, this much is clear: Marion would like to clarify his future this summer and is expected to ask the Heat for an extension beyond the remaining year on his contract."

" If the Heat lands the No. 1 pick: It will immediately begin thinking about trades. No, not for Michael Beasley, who would emerge as the No. 1 overall selection, but rather for Udonis Haslem or even Shawn Marion, should Marion decide not to opt out of the final year of his contract."

"Pat Riley has mentioned the option of trading the No. 1 pick if the Heat lands it. But don't misinterpret that -- an NBA official who has spoken to the Heat said Miami's front office has a high regard for Kansas State power forward Michael Beasley and considers him the best prospect (generally the consensus), and also likes Memphis point guard Derrick Rose."

"Point guard Jason Williams of the Miami Heat isn't the only one who will go into free agency this summer hoping the Orlando Magic will give him a call. With the Magic having so many guards in the final year of their contracts -- and with center Dwight Howard locked in for many years -- there are players all over the league hoping for a ride to Orlando. Shooting guard Corey Maggette of the Los Angeles Clippers will be another one looking to see what the Magic will do, which is why he smiled last week when he was asked about opting out of the final year of his contract to become a free agent this summer."

"The recent message from Alonzo Mourning to some Heat people is not to count him out, but that he hasn't decided whether to eschew retirement and play next season after knee surgery. Nobody will be surprised if he returns."

"There are a few intriguing prospects who fit Riley's preference for a swingman who is long, athletic, a solid defender and capable of shooting from three-point range. Former first-round picks Julius Hodge, Gerald Green and DerMarr Johnson are available."

"I see Elton sticking around to finish up his deal one more season. I've suggested the Wizards try to resign Gilbert Arenas and trade him for Brand, which could work well for both teams with Arenas from L.A. and Brand perhaps walking on the Clippers after next season. If he does, I see him ending in Miami, where they can be under the cap by letting go Shawn Marion, which I believe they will after next season, and have courted Brand for years."

"It would be unlikely that Brand would walk away from a large contract coming off a serious injury with few teams in a position to throw money at free agents. But Brand also has a strong desire to win. If he does opt out, the Clippers are intent on re-signing him and can tack on another year to Brand's deal, while other teams can only offer him deals of up to five years."

"They're locked together in word and deed, Heat coach Pat Riley and his star guard, Dwyane Wade. Their common goal, for the second time in five years, is fast-tracking the Heat back to prominence from the depths of irrelevance. But this time, their personal clocks are ticking. Fast. And they both feel the pressure to rebuild quickly for different reasons."

"No sooner did Dwyane Wade address his hope of remaining in South Florida when he reaches his opt-out window in the 2010 offseason than LeBron James arrived in New York to be peppered about how his 2010 opt-out could get him closer to his beloved Yankees."

"The 22-year-old will become a restricted free agent this offseason, but the Heat can retain his rights by tendering a $2.4 million qualifying offer by June 30. The Heat has the right to match offers for Wright from other teams. The 6-7 Wright had been the Heat's best perimeter defender and was having the best season of his four-year pro career."

"The Heat and guard Smush Parker remain at a stalemate over a contract buyout after Parker rejected the Heat's latest offer, coach Pat Riley said Sunday. The Heat and Parker had until 11:59 p.m. Saturday to reach a deal to release Parker which would have allowed him to be eligible for the playoffs had he cleared waivers and re-signed with another team."

"With the Heat and agent Billy Ceisler unable to come to a buyout agreement regarding exiled guard Smush Parker, the players' association has entered the process. The hope had been to complete a buyout in time for Saturday's deadline for playoff eligibility with another team."

"The Heat and the agent for banished guard Smush Parker continued to negotiate a potential contract buyout, but there was no word on an agreement by Saturday night."

"The Heat and banished guard Smush Parker are close to reaching an agreement that could lead to his release by Saturday night. Heat coach Pat Riley said Friday that a decision regarding Parker's status was ''coming to a head,'' but declined to elaborate on the potential options."

"Smush Parker's first two options to return to action passed without him being traded before the Feb. 21 deadline or allowed to rejoin the team following his Nov. 27 altercation with a female valet attendant."

"In that case, the Heat could make an all-or-nothing run at Toronto's Jose Calderon, with the Raptors expected to match any outside offer for the restricted free agent. The unrestricted choices at the position include the less tempting likes of former FIU star Carlos Arroyo, former Dillard star Keyon Dooling, Tyronn Lue and Beno Udrih."

"The Heat has not talked to agent Dan Fegan about forward Shawn Marion's intentions following this season. Marion is scheduled to make about $16.8 million next season, but only if he elects not to opt out of his contract."

"Despite the Heat's offseason salary-cap options coming down to whether forward Shawn Marion opts out of the $17.8 million he is due next season, Riley said the subject has not yet been broached."

"Despite their respective faults, Curry and Randolph have trade value, according to rival executives. Milwaukee and Denver pursued Randolph before the deadline; Miami had interest in Curry. It is likely that one of them will be dealt this off-season, possibly before the June draft."

"I think Miami will wait out Marion for one more year, get the lottery pick for this and next season and make a run at a free agent like Elton Brand and then hope D-Wade doesn't hate them by then for ruining his reputation and still wants to stay... I truly think that the Bulls could use Eddie Curry's low post moves in there offence.Think there's any interest in bringing him back home?"

"Thursday's NBA trading deadline turned into more of a case of damage control than roster reconstruction for Heat coach Pat Riley... The next task will be reaching a resolution with guard Smush Parker, who has been on paid leave since a November run-in with a valet parking attendant. "

"Marion, who has said he's committed to staying with the Heat, has one year remaining on his contract at $17.8 million. He has a clause that allows him to opt out of his contract after this season. If he stays for next season, there likely will be some tough contract extension talks."

"Heat coach Pat Riley indicated he doesn't expect to make a deal by Thursday's 3 p.m. trade deadline, though he has expressed similar sentiments at least once in the past before executing a trade."

"Riley also called rumors that he's interested in acquiring New York center Eddy Curry "wrong" and "blog (garbage)." The Heat has also been rumored to be interested in Memphis forward Mike Miller and Golden State swingman Mickael Pietrus, but there's no indication a deal for either is imminent."

"Apparently Eddy Curry does not fit into that category, with Riley refuting an ESPN report of Heat interest in the Knicks center... The Heat, however, was working Wednesday night on a possible acquisition of Grizzlies forward Mike Miller, the ex- University of Florida shooting star."

"Curry is not expected to be traded before today's 3p.m. deadline even though Miami coach Pat Riley did express some interest in acquiring the Knicks' struggling center. According to a league source, Miami contacted Curry's former club, the Chicago Bulls, to gather information on the center. On Wednesday, Riley shot down an Internet report that had the Knicks shipping Curry to Miami, New Jersey sending Vince Carter to the Knicks and the Nets acquiring Heat players with expiring contracts."

"Smith did admit he's had preliminary trade talks with the Seattle SuperSonics about power forwards Kurt Thomas and Chris Wilcox, but said nothing is imminent on that front. He also said there was no truth to a rumor the Magic were interested in Sacramento's Brad Miller, adding the Kings "only want one thing off my roster and that's (Hedo Turkoglu)... Barring somewhat of a miracle, the Magic won't be dealing with a Miami franchise that is trying to unload long-term contracts. "

"Heat coach Pat Riley said Tuesday the team has "discussed" using injured center Alonzo Mourning in a trade. But in the same breath, Riley said he doubts it will happen."

"Several point guards reportedly are available, including Philadelphia's Andre Miller, Memphis' Kyle Lowry, Indiana's Jamaal Tinsley and Portland's Jarrett Jack. Memphis swingman Mike Miller also is considered available, though Riley downplayed that possibility last week."

"There have been rumors that the Nets have been trying to talk the Pacers into taking Carter in exchange for Jermaine O'Neal, but Indiana hasn't budged. A report on ESPN.com last night also said that the Nets, Knicks and Heat have had discussions about a three-way deal that would send Carter to the Knicks, Eddy Curry to Miami and the expiring contracts of Jason Williams and Ricky Davis to New Jersey. "

"Seattle power forwards Kurt Thomas and Chris Wilcox are available, but at what cost? Sacramento's Ron Artest could give the Magic the toughness they lack, but how would he affect the locker room dynamics? And the free-falling Miami Heat are willing to move Udonis Haslem (a Van Gundy favorite), but they are certainly in no hurry to assist the Magic after their summer spat over Van Gundy."

"Among players the Heat has been linked to in trade talks are Warriors forward Mickael Pietrus, Grizzlies forward Mike Miller and Memphis point guard Kyle Lowry. The Chicago Tribune also mentioned Knicks center Eddy Curry on Monday, but it is doubtful Riley would have interest in a big man who neither plays defense nor rebounds and earns an average of $10 million over the next three seasons."

"A sign-and-trade with Marion is another option. Miami could sign Marion to, say, a three-year, $20 million deal and get equal salary in return, thus landing two high-quality players. In that salary range the Heat could trade Marion for, say, Chicago's Luol Deng and Ben Gordon, or Charlotte's Emeka Okafor and Gerald Wallace. Or it could make a run at center-forward Elton Brand of the Los Angeles Clippers, who earns $16.4 million next season, the final year of his contract."

"Despite what they say in Miami, the consensus is the Heat will let Marion's deal expire after next season and head for a big man like Elton Brand, a free agent after next season whom Riley tried to sign as a free agent in 2003... Meanwhile, what other coach would believe he could motivate and put Curry in position to succeed better than Riley? How much could it possibly cost? Curry is only 25."

" Because a Marion opt-out would leave the Heat with $15 million in cap space, which means they'd be front-runners for a very impressive class that includes Antawn Jamison, Elton Brand (he has an opt-out), or restricted free agents (Ben Gordon, Josh Smith, Monta Ellis) who could receive offers from Riley that would blow the competition out of the marketplace. And if Marion chooses to stay around for a while, that's fine, too. "

"The Heat reportedly has been linked to Memphis' Mike Miller, but Riley said he hasn't `talked about any of that stuff.' • Incidentally, after Dallas failed to convince the Heat to buy out Shaquille O'Neal, the Mavericks offered Erick Dampier and discussed Jason Terry but never offered Josh Howard."

"What are your thoughts on a Tyrus Thomas for Brandan Wright trade with Golden State? ... In Portugal runs the rumor that T-Mac is going to our Bulls... Can't the Bulls this summer acquire Dwyane Wade from the Miami Heat with a trade? ... What if the Bulls take Lamar Odom and Chris Mihm for Luol Deng or Andres Nocioni? Lamar is no longer needed in LA, and the Lakers would now prefer a shooter to complement the post play with Kobe, "

"Jason Williams, frequently mentioned in trade speculation, said he doesn't know what to make of the crowd of four point guards on a roster that includes Chris Quinn, Smush Parker and Marcus Banks. Williams said he's not bothered by the prospect that someone could be traded by the Feb. 21 deadline."

"One player who hasn't been mentioned much is Golden State's Al Harrington, once a peach in the Bulls' eyes. The Bulls thought they had a deal with the Pacers for Harrington in 2004... You wonder if the Pacers would take a chance on bringing Zach Randolph so close to home — he's from nearby Marion, Ind. — for Jermaine O'Neal, long coveted by Knicks coach Isiah Thomas... I believe Shawn Marion is merely on loan in Miami and that the Heat eventually will prefer the cap space, though Pat Riley told Florida reporters that having Marion with Dwyane Wade 'it reminds me a little bit of the beginning of Jordan and Pippen.'"

"Would it be best for Riley, not to mention for the Heat, for him to give up coaching once and for all (he has quit before, famously, in Miami and elsewhere) in order to concentrate on front-office duties? Or would it be best for everyone concerned for Riley to walk away from all of it when this season ends?"

"If, by some chance, Marion opts out, leaving $17 million on the table this summer, Riley will have tons of cap space. But if Marion stays, Riley can turn his attention to finding a new point guard and some young, athletic big men. Davis and Williams have expiring contracts, helping Riley's cap, so this rebuilding program shouldn't take nearly as long as the last one, when the Heat was in the lottery for two straight years before advancing to the 2004 Eastern Conference semifinals behind Wade, Caron Butler and Lamar Odom."

"It will be interesting to see what Marion and cantankerous agent Dan Fagen can shake loose from the money trees. If Marion is a $20 million player, he should decline his player option for a measly $17.2 million next season in a heartbeat, right? Yet Friday, he was already dropping hints in Miami about sticking around. How interesting."

"Coach Pat Riley believes Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks, obtained from Phoenix in the trade for Shaquille O'Neal, represent a new beginning that could lead the Heat back to the NBA playoffs... Marion, who has one season left at $17.8 million, can opt out at the end of the year but he gave no indication that was his intention when introduced with Banks during a news conference at AmericanAirlines Arena on Friday."

"In other words, with Marion on board, the Heat wouldn't be big players in the free-agent market even with point guard Jason Williams ($8.9 million) and swingman Ricky Davis ($6.8 million) possibly coming off the books because of their expiring contracts."

"The Diesel is desert-bound after the Heat and Suns completed a trade Wednesday to send Shaquille O'Neal to Phoenix for forward Shawn Marion and guard Marcus Banks. The deal was completed just before the Heat's game Wednesday night against the Pistons and after O'Neal underwent a physical exam in Phoenix. The trade ends O'Neal's tenure in Miami after three-plus seasons in which he helped lead the team to a 2006 championship."

"Banished guard Smush Parker could be the next Heat player to be traded if his agent has his way. Agent Billy Ceisler said Wednesday that Parker continues to wait to be traded, bought out or released."