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Walker Shows Up On Heat Radar

According to the Sun-Sentinal:

Antoine Walker, one of the NBA's top remaining uncommitted free agents, has emerged on the Heat's radar.

According to sources familiar with the Heat's approach, the team plans to discuss a role with the 6-foot-9 forward, perhaps today.

Already over the salary-cap, the Heat would be limited to a bid of its $5.1 million mid-level exception or have to work out a sign-and-trade agreement with the Celtics.

Update: I did a quick check of the salaries and checked out a Heat message board. There aren't a lot of good sign and trade options. Especially since to make up the cost, they would have to package several people for Walker and we are near our max capacity as it is.

My guess is that if they can sell Walker on the dream of a Championship ring, he'll decide that a few bucks less to play with Shaq and Wade is a better option than getting booed by Boston fans every time he shoots from outside 7 feet. By the way, given the dearth of talent outside the big 2 on that team, it sounds like Heat fans would actually welcome him aboard. In his shoes, I almost think it would be an easy choice.

Seems like this is the real test. If Danny wants to keep Walker, he has the ability to up his ante just enough to get him to stay. If he doesn't, he'll just let Walker take the MLE and play elsewhere.

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