Offseason Heating up

As the new collective bargaining agreement is ratified, things can really start getting interesting for the Miami Heat.

The negotiations with Shaq seem to be a formality at this point, and that should be official very soon. It is believed that Shaq will take a bit of a pay cut initially, but land a 5 year deal as opposed to the 3 year deal that was originally mentioned.

As for Damon Jones, Cleveland has some interest but beyond that, it doesn't seem the phone is ringing off the hook. Even for Cleveland, Marko Jaric is a higher priority. But reports out of Memphis is that Damon Stoudemire is going to sign with them - 4 years for $17 million. If that is the case, the market may expand for DJ as Stoudemire and McInnis are both off the market. The Heat are currently offering a package of 3 years worth $10 million, reportedly.

The Heat's choices for a backup point guard are namely Earl Watson, Steve Blake and Dan Dickau. All three look to be currently within the Heat's price range as they have both the mid-level exception to offer ($5.1 million) and a trade exception (acquired for Malik Allen along with Steve Smith) worth around $2 million.

There have been discussions with Antoine Walker in which Pat Riley has actually met with the former Celtic to discuss what role he would be willing to play with the Heat. It is believed Boston will not invite him back but could work out a sign-and-trade.

Another sign-and-trade possibility being rumored is with the Grizzlies. The Heat may be looking to trade for Jason Williams and Lorenzen Wright. If the Stoudemire signing is true, then this may make that trade possibility more likely.

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