:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/2716961/GYI0064721557.jpg)
Players can officially talk to teams tomorrow (Monday) and there's some buzz coming out already. To nobody's surprise, the Heat are in the market for any quasi-stars that want a chance to chase a ring. Prime target number 1 is Shane Battier.
Free-agent buzz: Heat lead chase for Battier - NBA - Yahoo! Sports
Once NBA teams can speak with free agents beginning Monday, Miami Heat president Pat Riley has his franchise in strong position to sell Shane Battier on signing to play with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.
In the less likely category is the Heat's interest in Greg Oden.
Portland Trail Blazers' Greg Oden drawing interest from Miami Heat, sources say - ESPN
The Heat are considering making a run at restricted free agent Greg Oden, league sources said. Oden, who hasn't played in nearly two years after suffering two different knee injuries, has a key doctor's examination this week when he could be cleared to resume contact practices.
Oden leaning toward re-signing with Blazers - NBA - Yahoo! Sports
Restricted free-agent center Greg Oden is leaning strongly toward re-signing with the Portland Trail Blazers, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.
The Heat (and Celtics) will not be able to afford to (over)pay Tyson Chandler, so some other team will have to take that honor.
Dallas Mavericks free agent Tyson Chandler will meet face-to-face this week with officials from the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets and New Jersey Nets, according to sources close to the situation. Negotiations with the Mavericks have stalled, prompting Chandler to tell ESPN.com on Wednesday night: "I really think I'm going to be on a new team come training camp."
Also, he was once the human highlight film. This has to be a lowlight. VC is going to be cut.
Sources: Phoenix Suns to cut Vince Carter when lockout ends - ESPN
Vince Carter isn't a free agent yet, but sources close to the situation say the eight-time All-Star will be thrust onto the open market shortly after the end of the lockout.
Also from Yahoo: DeAndre Jordan will get long looks from many teams hoping that the Clippers won't match. Also, the Kings are likely to be the leaders for Chuck Hayes.
In other news, I'm kinda glad we don't have much cap room this year. The temptation would be to throw it at some injury risk guy or someone riding the wave of some success that he'll never be able to duplicate again.