Don't Lose Hope: Heat Offseason Still Has Options

Steven Blake, gone.

Chucky Atkins, gone.

Mo Williams?

Who cares. He is, and we have been saying this all along, playing the system to squeeze out the most money. His interest in playing in Miami and winning was not definite but one thing is clear, it has helped him pinch the Bucks for more money.

Still in the background is how Yi Jianlian's future will affect all of this and if Mo is serious about playing time, he would ask for more definite answers in that regard. As it seems, he is really only interested in getting paid and considering that the Blazers brought back Blake at around the full MLE, Williams should net more.

Nothing wrong with that.

Yet, as the Heat continue to put their eggs in one basket, options dry up - yet still one remains that could prove to be more lucrative than any option, Juan Carlos Navarro.

Europe's best PG and arguably one of the world's best, is free from Barcelona but just has to pay for his buyout from the team. That is considered a formality as both Navarro and his Barcelona club have agreed to allow Navarro to explore his dream of playing in the NBA. The real obstacle is going to be brokering a deal with the Washington Wizards, who hold his rights.

The climate has turned for Navarro. He is highly regarded by the Wizards but their focus is on re-signing Deshawn Stevenson which is close to happening. After that happens, the Wiz won't have enough money under the luxury cap to sign Navarro without splashing into the penalty - something they prefer not to do.

The Heat, however, would. They have been after JCN for some time now. And considering the way the market has broken down, this might be their only real option of making a splash this offseason.

In fact, a Barcelona paper is reporting that Pat Riley is going to visit with Navarro in Spain. This is getting serious.

Another option still is Mike Bibby. The Kings want to deal him and rightfully so - he is shooting 44% and is owed 13.5M next season and 14.5M the season after that. Perhaps Antoine Walker for Bibby could be viewed as favorable? The Kings want to slash payroll and Walker is not making anything close to that quite yet and has a team option after 2008-2009.

There are plenty of other options as well, but would have to come via a trade, too. Seattle's Luke Ridnour would be an excellent acquisition as his skill set would complement the Heat's game plan with his ball handling and ability to shoot outside.

Jarret Jack could be an option too. With Blake signing on in Portland, Jack could be on his way out. He might be a pretty good alternative to Mo Williams - he can penetrate, can shoot, is very athletic.

Free agent wise there is always Travis Diener, another MiamiHeatwave favorite.

Even if Mo Williams take mo' money to stay in Milwaukee, all is not lost. There are several pretty big options out there that just might happen for the Heat.