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V2M · 06-06-2007, 10:49 AM

Florida Sports Buzz
FLORIDA SPORTS BUZZ
Heat might seek Artest, Lewis
By BARRY JACKSON
bjackson@MiamiHerald.com

With the Heat intent on improving the roster at point guard, small forward, or both, here's some of the early buzz:

• Several NBA people close to the Heat expect Miami will explore acquiring Sacramento's Ron Artest or impending Seattle free agent Rashard Lewis -- two elite 27-year-old small forwards. But it's highly questionable if the Heat has enough to satisfy the Kings or Sonics.

The Heat has not made a trade offer for Artest, but discussions with the Kings are expected, an official with one of the teams said. Two officials said Pat Riley isn't deterred by Artest's past off-court issues.

The Kings will consider moving Artest but don't feel compelled. An official in contact with Kings management said Sacramento isn't enamored with Miami's available assets, which could require a third team's inclusion. Artest (18.8 points, 6.5 rebounds last season) is due $7.8 million for next season and has an $8.45 million player option for '08-09.

Although the Heat loves Lewis' skills, there's some skepticism internally about whether Miami -- which is above the salary cap -- would have enough to interest Seattle in a sign-and-trade. Numerous teams covet him, including Orlando -- which will have lots of cap space if it doesn't sign Darko Milicic -- Houston and New York. Seattle says it wants to keep Lewis, but the expected drafting of Kevin Durant could change that.

Lewis (22.4 points, 6.6 rebounds in '06-07) could get a six-year deal worth as much as $110 million, meaning a first-year salary in the $15 million range. According to salary-cap rules, the Heat would need to send the Sonics contracts within 25 percent of his first-year salary. The Heat likely would be willing to exceed the tax threshold slightly for an All-Star-caliber player.

Among the Heat's pieces that could be offered in trades: James Posey or Jason Kapono (if either agrees to a sign-and-trade), Antoine Walker (the Heat isn't optimistic about moving his two more guaranteed years, worth $8.5 million and $9.3 million), Udonis Haslem (due $6 million in '07-08), Michael Doleac ($3.1 million), Jason Williams (one year left at $8.9 million), Dorell Wright ($1.7 million) and draft picks.

Posey's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said Tuesday the Heat has expressed an interest in re-signing Posey but hasn't made an offer. The Heat's free agent small forward options, beyond Posey and Kapono, include Morris Peterson, Grant Hill, Ruben Patterson, Jalen Rose, Desmond Mason and Matt Barnes. Charlotte's Gerald Wallace will command more than Miami's cap exception (which will top $5 million).

• Whether Williams returns as the uncontested starter remains in serious question. The Heat believes Philadelphia probably won't trade Andre Miller, and Detroit free agent Chauncey Billups is unrealistic from Miami's perspective. The Heat likes Sacramento's Mike Bibby, but his salary ($13.5 million and $14.5 million the next two years) and subpar defense are deterrents. A Sacramento Bee columnist wrote Tuesday that it ''seems a done deal'' that Bibby or Artest will be traded.

Also on Miami's radar: former Heat guard Mike James, who parlayed a terrific season in Toronto into a four-year, $25 million deal last summer with Minnesota, where he disappointed.

The Heat likes Milwaukee free agent Mo Williams, but that would require a sign-and-trade, and the Bucks want to keep him. Second-tier affordable free agent options include Steve Blake, Jason Hart, Jannero Pargo and Chucky Atkins.

CHATTER

• We hear the NBA Players Association filed a grievance on behalf of Posey and Walker, who want to collect an undisclosed amount of money they were fined by the Heat when they were deactivated for four games in early January for exceeding the team's body-fat requirement. A hearing with arbitrator Calvin Sharpe will be held this summer. Bartelstein, who represents both players, said ''there are no hard feelings'' and it won't affect Posey's interest in re-signing. No comment from the Heat.

• Free agent Eddie Jones said Riley indicated ''he's very interested in me.'' But there has been no formal bid, and Miami likely wouldn't offer more than the $1.1 million veteran's minimum. Jones said, ''I love being here,'' but is noncommittal about returning.

06-06-2007, 10:49 AM	#6
V2M Diamond Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 3,299	Florida Sports Buzz FLORIDA SPORTS BUZZ Heat might seek Artest, Lewis By BARRY JACKSON bjackson@MiamiHerald.com With the Heat intent on improving the roster at point guard, small forward, or both, here's some of the early buzz: • Several NBA people close to the Heat expect Miami will explore acquiring Sacramento's Ron Artest or impending Seattle free agent Rashard Lewis -- two elite 27-year-old small forwards. But it's highly questionable if the Heat has enough to satisfy the Kings or Sonics. The Heat has not made a trade offer for Artest, but discussions with the Kings are expected, an official with one of the teams said. Two officials said Pat Riley isn't deterred by Artest's past off-court issues. The Kings will consider moving Artest but don't feel compelled. An official in contact with Kings management said Sacramento isn't enamored with Miami's available assets, which could require a third team's inclusion. Artest (18.8 points, 6.5 rebounds last season) is due $7.8 million for next season and has an $8.45 million player option for '08-09. Although the Heat loves Lewis' skills, there's some skepticism internally about whether Miami -- which is above the salary cap -- would have enough to interest Seattle in a sign-and-trade. Numerous teams covet him, including Orlando -- which will have lots of cap space if it doesn't sign Darko Milicic -- Houston and New York. Seattle says it wants to keep Lewis, but the expected drafting of Kevin Durant could change that. Lewis (22.4 points, 6.6 rebounds in '06-07) could get a six-year deal worth as much as $110 million, meaning a first-year salary in the $15 million range. According to salary-cap rules, the Heat would need to send the Sonics contracts within 25 percent of his first-year salary. The Heat likely would be willing to exceed the tax threshold slightly for an All-Star-caliber player. Among the Heat's pieces that could be offered in trades: James Posey or Jason Kapono (if either agrees to a sign-and-trade), Antoine Walker (the Heat isn't optimistic about moving his two more guaranteed years, worth $8.5 million and $9.3 million), Udonis Haslem (due $6 million in '07-08), Michael Doleac ($3.1 million), Jason Williams (one year left at $8.9 million), Dorell Wright ($1.7 million) and draft picks. Posey's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said Tuesday the Heat has expressed an interest in re-signing Posey but hasn't made an offer. The Heat's free agent small forward options, beyond Posey and Kapono, include Morris Peterson, Grant Hill, Ruben Patterson, Jalen Rose, Desmond Mason and Matt Barnes. Charlotte's Gerald Wallace will command more than Miami's cap exception (which will top $5 million). • Whether Williams returns as the uncontested starter remains in serious question. The Heat believes Philadelphia probably won't trade Andre Miller, and Detroit free agent Chauncey Billups is unrealistic from Miami's perspective. The Heat likes Sacramento's Mike Bibby, but his salary ($13.5 million and $14.5 million the next two years) and subpar defense are deterrents. A Sacramento Bee columnist wrote Tuesday that it ''seems a done deal'' that Bibby or Artest will be traded. Also on Miami's radar: former Heat guard Mike James, who parlayed a terrific season in Toronto into a four-year, $25 million deal last summer with Minnesota, where he disappointed. The Heat likes Milwaukee free agent Mo Williams, but that would require a sign-and-trade, and the Bucks want to keep him. Second-tier affordable free agent options include Steve Blake, Jason Hart, Jannero Pargo and Chucky Atkins. CHATTER • We hear the NBA Players Association filed a grievance on behalf of Posey and Walker, who want to collect an undisclosed amount of money they were fined by the Heat when they were deactivated for four games in early January for exceeding the team's body-fat requirement. A hearing with arbitrator Calvin Sharpe will be held this summer. Bartelstein, who represents both players, said ''there are no hard feelings'' and it won't affect Posey's interest in re-signing. No comment from the Heat. • Free agent Eddie Jones said Riley indicated ''he's very interested in me.'' But there has been no formal bid, and Miami likely wouldn't offer more than the $1.1 million veteran's minimum. Jones said, ''I love being here,'' but is noncommittal about returning.