More on the Heat rumors.
HEAT NOTEBOOK
Grant in trade rumors
Suns might be interested in forward
ON THE BLOCK: Heat power forward Brian Grant is being shopped around by Miami with Phoenix being a possible taker.
The Heat has been gauging league-wide interest in Brian Grant, according to an NBA general manager. The Phoenix Suns would like to trade guard Penny Hardaway and need a physical frontcourt player such as Grant.
But a three-team scenario involving the Heat, Suns and Portland Trail Blazers isn't likely to happen in its current form, according to an official with one of the teams.
A report by Peter Vecsey in the New York Post said Portland is trying to orchestrate a deal that would send point guard Damon Stoudamire and power forward Zach Randolph to Miami, the Heat's No. 1 draft pick (10th overall) and Hardaway to Portland, and Grant to Phoenix. An Eastern Conference GM confirmed hearing that scenario.
But the Heat is not thought to have much interest in the 5-10 Stoudamire, who has three years left on a seven-year, $81 million contract. A sign-and-trade involving Blazers free agent shooting guard Bonzi Wells could hold more appeal to Miami.
A straight-up trade with Phoenix isn't realistic for Miami, because of Hardaway's diminishing skills and onerous contract (four years left on a seven-year, $87 million deal).
Another league source said an ESPN Internet report linking Heat guard Eddie Jones and the No. 10 pick to Memphis for the No. 4 pick, Michael Dickerson and Brevin Knight isn't likely to happen. The Grizzlies believe they can find a player as good or better than Jones, for a lot less money, with the fourth pick.
Also, the Heat would have qualms about assuming the contracts of Dickerson (six years, $45 million left) and Knight (two years, $12 million left).
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