Defenseless Heat

After watching the Heat getting torched by the Houston Rockets Thursday night, one of the biggest problems that this team had since the beginning of the year is "Defense." There are numerous games when the Heat are up by 5+ points with 5 minutes to go in the 4th quarter just melts down. Their poor Defense and Rebounding had cost them and it is why they are 9-43. But it is also that this team is just bad. Should this continue with the last half of the season; expect Pat Riley to make definite big changes to improve their Defense this off-season.

Heat Shopping for Big Man

The Heat are known to be looking for a big man in the wake of Shaquille O'Neal's departure, and Nene for Jason Williams' expiring contract would work financially and positionally for the Nuggets, who need payroll relief and a point guard. Source

Wade Wants Rebuilding Fast

In 3 years Wade has the option to opt out. Building through the draft takes 2+ years and Wade may have no patience for that. "We're looking to come into next summer and really do some things," Wade said. "Whatever we do in the draft is what we do, but we're looking to get veteran guys." Palm Beach Post

The Heat has been linked in trade talks are Warriors forward Michael Pietrus, Grizzlies Mike Miller & Memphis Kyle Lowry. What about Smush Parker? Riley is definitely going to do something about that. What about a trade or a buyout? "The Heat also approaches the trading deadline hopeful of putting an end to the situation with point guard Smush Parker, who has been on paid leave from the team since a November run-in with a valet-parking attendant. Should a Parker deal not be found, a buyout or an action of reinstatement by the players' union could be the next step." Sun-Sentinel

Marion already said he'll stay put for the Heat. But with Pat Riley's genius mind, he may be able to work something out with Marion and offer him a long term deal. That may give the Heat some more cap room to bring another player.

Pat Riley believes the race to rebuild is full speed ahead for the Heat. "We're going to turn this around as fast as we can," Riley said. Palm Beach Post

Trade Deadline This Thursday

There are some speculations that the Heat might still be shopping. One of the latest rumors are to either send Jason Williams or Ricky Davis in exchange for Mike Miller.
Memphis wants the expiring contracts so they can open up cap space for this summer's free agents. Pat has always denied about trade rumors and always say "We are not in discussion with any team right now." So the chances of this happening may be significantly high. Come back as this story continues to develop.