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.

Is Riley done trading?

The Heat MIGHT not be done just yet. Does he continue to make moves to clear up more cap space? Maybe package a Mark Blount & Udonis Haslem and ship out Blount's contract? The Heat might be setting themselves up for this upcoming off-season with many potential free agents. I do not have the list but some of these players will be Iverson, Arenas, Jamison, Brand, Okafor, J.O'Neal, etc...* Don't forget we also have a our top 5 pick in the draft.

Source by ESPN

2008 Free Agents Restricted

Key: ETO = Early Termination Option; P = Player Option; T = Team Option; '07 QO's = BOLD

Atlanta: Josh Childress, Josh Smith, Salim Stoudamire, Mario West
Boston: Tony Allen
Charlotte: Jermareo Davidson (T), Ryan Hollins, Emeka Okafor
Chicago: Luol Deng, Demetris Nichols, Ben Gordon, Viktor Khryapa
Cleveland: Daniel Gibson, Dwayne Jones
Dallas: Jose Juan Barea
Denver: Yakhouba Diawara, J.R. Smith, Von Wafer
Detroit: Alex Acker, Walter Herrmann
Golden State: Kelenna Azubuike (P), Andris Biedrins, Monta Ellis, C.J. Watson
Houston: Carl Landry, Steve Novak (T), Kirk Snyder
Indiana: Stephen Graham (T), David Harrison, Andre Owens
L.A. Clippers: Paul Davis, Shaun Livingston
L.A. Lakers: Ronny Turiaf, Sasha Vujacic
Memphis: Andre Brown, Juan Carlos Navarro
Miami: Chris Quinn, Dorell Wright
Milwaukee: Ersan Ilyasova, David Noel, Awvee Storey (T)
Minnesota: Ryan Gomes, Craig Smith, Chris Richard, Sebastian Telfair
New Jersey: Nenad Krstic
New York: Randolph Morris
Orlando: James Augustine
Philadelphia: Louis Amundson, Andre Iguodala, Shavlik Randolph, Louis Williams
Phoenix: None
Portland: None
Sacramento: Justin Williams
San Antonio: None
Seatle: Mickael Gelabale, Robert Swift, Delonte West
Toronto: Jose Calderon, Carlos Delfino
Utah: C.J. Miles, Paul Millsap (T)
Washington: None

2008 Free Agents Unrestricted

Atlanta: Anthony Johnson, Tyronn Lue, Lorenzen Wright
Boston: Eddie House, Scot Pollard, James Posey (P)
Charlotte: Derek Anderson, Earl Boykins, Othella Harrington (T), Jeff McInnis
Chicago: Chris Duhon
Cleveland: Devin Brown, Shannon Brown, Ira Newble
Dallas: DeSagana Diop, Devean George, Eddie Jones (P), Juwan Howard
Denver: Anthony Carter, Allen Iverson (ETO), Eduardo Najera
Detroit: Primoz Brezec, Jarvis Hayes, Lindsey Hunter, Flip Murray
Golden State: Matt Barnes, Austin Croshere, Baron Davis (ETO), Patrick O'Bryant,
Mickael Pietrus, Chris Webber
Houston: Steve Francis (P), Dikembe Mutombo, Bonzi Wells
Indiana: Jermaine O'Neal (ETO), Kareem Rush
L.A. Clippers: Elton Brand (ETO), Sam Cassell, Dan Dickau, Corey Maggette (ETO), Quinton Ross, Aaron Williams
L.A. Lakers: Trevor Ariza (P), Chris Mihm (P)
Memphis: Kwame Brown, Casey Jacobsen, Stromile Swift (P)
Miami: Earl Barron, Ricky Davis, Luke Jackson, Alonzo Mourning, Smush Parker (P), Jason Williams
Milwaukee: Royal Ivey, Michael Ruffin, Jake Voskuhl
Minnesota: Michael Doleac, Gerald Green, Theo Ratliff
New Jersey: Malik Allen, Darrell Armstrong, Jamaal Magloire, Bostjan Nachbar, Antoine Wright
New Orleans: Ryan Bowen, Melvin Ely (P), Jannero Pargo (P)
New York: Fred Jones, Stephon Marbury (ETO)
Orlando: Carlos Arroyo, Keith Bogans (P), Keyon Dooling, Maurice Evans, Adonal Foyle (P), Pat Garrity
Philadelphia: Louis Amundson, Andre Iguodala, Shavlik Randolph, Louis Williams
Phoenix: Grant Hill (P), Shawn Marion (ETO), Sean Marks, Eric Piatkowski, Brian Skinner
Portland: James Jones (P), Raef LaFrentz (ETO)
Sacramento: Ron Artest (ETO), Kenny Thomas (ETO), Beno Udrih, Dahntay Jones
San Antonio: Brent Barry, Francisco Elson, Michael Finley, Robert Horry, Damon Stoudamire, Jacque Vaughn (P)
Seatle: Mickael Gelabale, Robert Swift, Delonte West
Toronto: Juan Dixon, Darrick Martin, Rasho Nesterovic (P)
Utah: Jason Hart (P)
Washington: Gilbert Arenas (ETO), Antawn Jamison, Roger Mason

Shaq trade in serious talks

***Latest Update***
Shaq will be flying Wednesday to Phoenix for exam. If successful, he maybe a new member of the Suns. Marion is also reported to be fine with this trade.

MORE sources from ESPN ESPN Shaq Trade Rumor



This source was reported by Sun-Sentinel. Sun-Sentinel

"The courtship that began with a diesel truck motoring up to AmericanAirlines Arena in July 2004 soon could have The Diesel headed back out of town.

Numerous sources, both those close to the Heat and some aware of NBA personnel moves, confirmed Tuesday that the Heat is engaged in talks to trade center Shaquille O'Neal.

An industry source close to the situation confirmed Tuesday night that there is a deal being discussed that would send O'Neal to the Phoenix Suns for forward Shawn Marion and guard Marcus Banks.

The source, who initially viewed the deal as implausible in light of the Suns' fast-paced approach, said he now could see it come to fruition within 48 hours, if it comes to pass at all.

The Heat has had interest in both Marion in Banks in recent seasons, linked to each in various trade speculation.

Marion is enticing both because of his athletic, well-rounded game, as well as having a contract that has only one additional season, at $17.8 million for 2008-09 on his deal.

Unlike O'Neal, who has two additional seasons, at $20 million per year left on his contract, an acquisition of Marion could allow the Heat to enter the free-agent market no later that the 2009 offseason, and possibly as early as this coming offseason, should the versatile forward chose to opt out of his contract this summer for the lengthier deal elsewhere.

Banks has three additional seasons on his contract beyond this season, at an average of $4.5 million per year. While he has proven inconsistent in his time with the Celtics, Timberwolves and Suns, his presence could ease the expected departure of Heat point guard Jason Williams, who becomes a free agent this summer.

Suns coach Mike D'Antoni was evasive on his Tuesday radio show on Phoenix station KTAR.

"It'll be until it won't be," D'Antoni said of the rampant speculation of an impending deal. "As soon as nothing happens, it goes away."

Days after Heat coach Pat Riley said "there's no truth" to an ESPN report that said the team was quietly shopping the center, one of O'Neal teammates said Tuesday "there are some rumblings" regarding O'Neal leaving the team.


While O'Neal underwent a second MRI Tuesday on his inflamed left hip, someone with knowledge of the situation said the center mostly has been biding his time in light of the Heat's 9-37 record, the personal distraction of a pending divorce, and the hope of ending his career in a winning situation.

O'Neal said last week that he was confident a deal would not be sprung upon him, that Riley would work with him, with that process apparently under way.

"I've been in the league 15 years," O'Neal said. "I've seen it all, been through it all. I've just got to sit back. We have the type of rapport that hopefully they would call me."

While O'Neal's current statistics continue to have him as one of the more productive centers in the Eastern Conference, his play has significantly declined since he helped lead the Heat to the 2006 NBA title.

O'Neal turns 36 next month, having missed significant time in each of his seasons with the Heat.

Should O'Neal be dealt, it could entice center Alonzo Mourning to push forward in returning from the devastating knee injury he sustained in December, possibly for a midseason comeback in 2008-09.

Word of the possible O'Neal trade came just hours after guard Dwyane Wade said it was clear that something had to change.

"We can't forfeit the rest of the season," he said. "I've never been a guy to point fingers and blame [others]. I'm also a part of the problem. I don't know what it is."

The Heat goes into tonight's game with the league's worst record and has lost 19 of 20.

"It is never fun when you're losing," Wade said. "It is hard to find the joy in being down 15 or 20 every game.""




This source was reported by the Miami Herald. Source Here

"The Heat has told center Shaquille O'Neal's representation that it is talking about trading him and he should be prepared for the possibility of a deal, according to two officials close to the situation. Phoenix has discussed sending forward Shawn Marion and point guard Marcus Banks to the Heat in return for O'Neal.

Asked for confirmation, one of O'Neal's representatives said O'Neal has been made aware that discussions with Phoenix are serious and ongoing, but that a deal was not definite.

Dallas also has been mentioned as a potential destination, though the Heat had not immediately informed O'Neal of that possibility.

O'Neal, 35, was shocked by the turn of events, an associate said. O'Neal helped lead the Heat to the 2005-06 championship, but Miami has struggled since, losing in the first round of the playoffs last season and opening this season with a league-worst 9-37 record.

After this season, Marion can opt out of the last year of his contract worth $17.1 million. If Marion opts out, trading O'Neal would give the Heat substantial salary cap space this offseason, when potential free agents include Gilbert Arenas, Baron Davis, Elton Brand, Antawn Jamison, Ron Artest and Corey Maggette.

Marion, 29, is a four-time All-Star and considered one of the NBA's most athletic small forwards. Marion, 6-7, is averaging 15.8 points and 9.9 rebounds.

Banks, 26, is averaging 5.2 points and 1.0 assists. After this season, he has three years left on his contract worth a total of $13.4 million.

O'Neal, who has been out with a hip injury, has two years left on his contract after this season. He will be paid $20 million each of the next two seasons.

On Tuesday, coach Pat Riley said O'Neal was scheduled to have a magnetic resonance imaging exam on his ailing left hip, which has kept him out the past six games.

''We just want to back it up and see, after two weeks, what it shows,'' Riley said.

Riley gave no indication as to when O'Neal would return to the lineup. Riley said O'Neal must strengthen his legs before returning to action, and that the center will be one of six players to miss Wednesday's game at Detroit.

Heat officials were on their way to Detroit and could not be reached for comment."

If the strategy is to open up cap space and bring another really good player to the Heat next year, this may very well be true. Phoenix may be desperate enough to believe Shaq has 1 or 2 more years left in him and try to win a Championship in Phoenix this year.

2008 NBA Mock Draft - The Next Shaq?

**Updated 2.18.08** 2008 NBA Mock Draft by nbadraft.net

1. Miami - Michael Beasley
2. Minnesota - Derrick Rose
3. Seatle - Brook Lopez
4. Memphis - Jerryd Bayless
5. New York - Eric Gordon
6. LA Clippers - DeAndre Jordan
7. Charlotte - Donte Green
8. Milwaukee - Nicolas Batum
9. Indiana - Hasheem Thabeet
10. Chicago - Russell Westbrook
11. Phoenix - Danilo Gallinari
12. Sacramento - OJ Mayo
13. Portland - Darrell Arthur
14. Houston - Roy Hibbert
15. Philadelphia - Darren Collison
16. New Jersey - Tyler Smith
17. Washington - Kevin Love
18. Toronto - Jason Thompson
19. Cleveland - Patrick Patterson
20. Orlando - DJ Augustin
Continue...

Diesel pulling out of Miami?

A check with the NBA office this week confirmed that should O'Neal announce and sign retirement papers after this season, bypassing the final two years on his contract, his future salary would be wiped from the Heat's salary cap. Immediately, that would give the Heat the space to, say, add a Luol Deng or Elton Brand, with enough space left over to address at least one or two additional needs — and still sign that lottery pick. Wade. Deng. Haslem. University of Memphis point guard Derrick Rose. And spare change for the very type of complementary players the Heat lacks this season. Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Shaquille O'Neal has proven to be many things in his four seasons in South Florida. Could he next be the Big Benefactor, willing to walk away from the $40 million owed on his contract over the next two seasons? It certainly is a reach, longer than those Size 23 sneakers, wider than those biceps at full flex. But it also is the easiest way out for the Heat for at least two more years. Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

It was just eight years ago when O'Neal expressed distress over seeing Knicks center Patrick Ewing, at the end of perhaps an overstayed career, being booed at Madison Square Garden during the playoffs. "What they did to him is wrong," O'Neal said at the time. "I would just quit. I know for a fact I won't be playing at 38." His current contract says otherwise. O'Neal did not make himself available for comment Wednesday. Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Are You a True Heat Fan or Bandwagon?

The Heat are in a slump right now. So let me ask you a question: Are you a True Heat fan right now or has jumped off the bandwagon? Look, if you're a True Heat fan you should be cheering for your team (Good or Bad), watch or attend 60-70% of the game, or simply smack your buddy in the head and say "I LOVE MY HEAT!!!" If you're 1 out of the 3 then you are a bandwagon. If you are 2 out of 3 then you are a real fan. But if you are all 3, then you are a "TRUE CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT THEM" Heat Fan!

Wade Not Saying He's Staying or Leaving Yet

With a disastrous season and currently own the worst record in the East, Wade is not saying any words of departure after 2 years. He never said anything about staying or leaving either. So that leaves a question mark for all Heat Fans. Read this section from Sun-Sentinal:

"I signed a three-year deal and I'm not worried about anything until my contract comes back around," he said. "So right now, my only objective is to make the Heat as good and as competitive as it can be. And when the time comes for us to renegotiate, we'll renegotiate."

he's only saying that he's not worried until his contract is over but whether or not he's staying or leaving it all depends on the Miami Heat's results on how well this team is after 2 years. Let's look at another scenerio. Lebron sign a similar 3 year contract and the Cavs are a subpar team right at .500. The Cavs also did a bad job to strengthen the team this off-season. Now, if you ask the same question to Lebron, I'm pretty sure he will say the same thing as Wade. In the end, they all want a maximum contract deal before their prime and I believe Wade will most likely stay in Miami and get his maximum contract deal; whether the Heat's going to be good or bad.