Artest and Bibby or Pietrus and Stoudemire?

First of all, Happy New Year everyone - here's to 2008 and goodbye to 2007. For the Heat, 2007 was a horrible year, going 39-48 during the calendar. Hopefully things change.

But don't be foolish and expect things to change just because the 7 was replaced by an 8. Keeping the same players around and expecting a different result is just moronic. Riley must know this and that is why there will be a deal sooner rather than later. If not, they will continue to spiral downward and the season will be lost.

So what possibilities are there? Well, Mickeal Pietrus remains a strong possibility to be dealt - that is, if we can believe his agent. They are pushing for a deal so that Pietrus can get the playing time he needs in order to score a big contract. He has commented on playing "closer to the West Indies" which is a very obvious way of saying Miami. Miami continues to show interest.

Then there is another option slowly churning in the background - Damon Stoudemire. The Grizzlies, loaded with PGs (Juan Carlos Navarro, Kyle Lowery, Mike Conley and Damon Stoudemire) are looking to shore up the rotation. They have committed to Conley (6th pick in the draft) and it seems sensible to move Stoudemire's contract although it is not certain they are trying to free up cap space (speculation about trading for Mike Miller has several teams tossed around including Miami). Golden State may attempt to land Stoudemire as a backup PG, which would undercut Miami's bid to land Pietrus and to trade for Stoudemire, a player Riley has shown interest in the past (plus the fact that the Heat have been able to work out trades with the Grizzlies in the past).

The other possibility, which is much more positive, is a trade with the Kings to get Artest, Bibby and possibly even Kenny Thomas. The Heat have been interested in this move for some time, and it seems that the Kings might actually start becoming more amicable to a deal with Artest getting bone chips removed and possibly missing a few weeks. With Beno Udrih, Bibby is not needed and Kenny Thomas does not get any playing time for new coach Reggie Theus. This deal would have to start with expiring contracts - the likes of Ricky Davis and Jason Williams. The Heat might even have to toss in a Udonis Haslem or even a Dorell Wright.

This is why I would pull the Kings trade before all others - it would make the Heat matter again instantly. They would get two excellent scoring options in Artest and Bibby who can play off of Wade or even help set things up for Shaq. But in Kenny Thomas they get a hard-nosed player who can slide in at PF and start if UD left. You have a starting five right there that could really make it interesting for the Heat in the second half.

If there is a deal looming, we will find out sooner rather than later. If Riley wants to save this season, it will have to be now. If not, no deal will be made and the season will be surrendered and scrapped for next year when the 8 changes into a 9.

Miami Getting a New Gift?

Is the Heat on the verge of a major shakeup? And just before Christmas?

There are rumors fluttering around about possible deals and Miami is very active with several teams. Here are some possibilities:

Mickeal Pietrus is not getting any playing time in Golden State and signed a contract this offseason because he didn't have enough leverage to find a new team. His interest in playing in Miami, however, is well documented. That doesn't mean that there is a deal in place for Golden State, or even incentive, but with Smush Parker basically done it might be a decent fit for Golden State in trading Pietrus for Smush. Then again, they may feel he has more value.

Mike Bibby and Ron Artest - long rumored to be heading to Miami, but the trigger does not seem to exist. Still, there is interest and other outlets keep insisting Miami is talking to Sacramento and the deal seems to be starting with Udonis Haslem and might also need a Jason Williams reunion tour.

Rafer Alston and Shane Battier - supposedly the Rockets are interested in Jason Williams. He has an expiring contract so that makes him an attractive asset for teams wanting to clear up space for this offseason. Alston is just another PG on the Rockets' roster. Battier is a solid defender that the Heat might also inquire about if they are going to deal Udonis. A long shot either way.

Mike Miller and Stromile Swift - this is mostly speculation, but could be an interesting trade. The Heat would acquire a relatively unknown star in Miller who would provide scoring, shooting and hustle and he could potentially vault over Shaq in terms of scoring priority. Swift is getting some playing time to showcase his abilities a bit, but is not in the plans for the Grizzlies. Riley has always liked Swift's potential, so it could be another possibility to replace a departing Udonis Haslem or serve as a backup for Shaq now that Zo is done.

Luke Ridnour - Current Heatian Luke Jackson's old college buddy could be a strong pickup for Miami, too. It might just cost them Smush Parker and if that is the case, Ridnour could easily be the starter at PG by season's end. His addition along with Jason Williams would give the Heat an excellent, uptempo option at PG.

Larry Hughes is being shopped by the Cavs, but it is less likely any deal will be made with the Heat since they are Eastern Conference rivals.

There is also the option of signing players like Earl Boykins or Ruben Patterson to shore up any needs left by trades.