Miami Heat ‘Free-agent Focus’: Eddy Curry
(When the lockout ends, the Miami Heat will be limited to no more than the mid-level exception to spend in free agency, which should fall somewhere in the $5.5 million range. That’s if it exists at all in a new collective-bargaining agreement. Otherwise, there might only be the veteran minimum to spend, which would be roughly $1 million for 2011-12. This is the 10th in a series of evaluations of potential free-agent targets.)

 James Jones declines player option, will become free agent
Forward James Jones has informed the Miami Heat he won’t be exercising the player option in his contract and will become a free agent, according to an NBA source.

Jones, who was waived days before free agency opened last year, then re-signed 21 days later, would’ve earned $1.3 million this year had he exercised his option.

 The Big Three part won't change.

You don't host a party one year then usher out the guests of honor the next.

So 2011-12 (lockout permitting) for the Miami Heat will start where 2010-11 ended, with a blueprint designed around the skills of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

The difference will be that Heat President Pat Riley and coach Erik Spoelstra will have a greater sense of what it takes to complement such a core.

 Jack not hot on Heat rumours

To borrow one of those brainless quotes that often come out of an athlete’s mouth these days, it is what it is, which is why Jarrett Jack isn’t losing any sleep over it.

A rumour has made the rounds linking Jack with the Miami Heat, where club president Pat Riley is said to be keen on bringing in more shooters to spread the floor and provide better spacing for the team’s Big Three.

 Source: Heat work out Jerry Stackhouse


The Miami Heat are looking into adding another veteran to their experience-laden roster. Jerry Stackhouse, who will turn 36 years-old next month, worked out for the Heat in Atlanta on Thursday, a source close to the team said.

Stackhouse met with Heat officials including team president Pat Riley on Thursday and attended the Heat's game Thursday night against the Hawks. He is expected to take a physical on Saturday.

 Celtics will host Heat, LeBron on Opening Night


Miami’s new Big Three will be making their regular-season debut against the Celtics’ Big Three at TD Garden.

According to a league sources, the revamped Heat, featuring the daunting trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, will open the NBA season against the Celtics Oct. 26, a clash that will be nationally televised by TNT.

The league will release its opening week and Christmas Day schedules tonight on NBA TV, and it’s expected that the Heat and Celtics will be prevalent in those games.

 Haslem thinks Wade will be back, not as sure about himself

Miami Heat power forward Udonis Haslem spent Tuesday considering makeovers, in terms of both personal grooming and grooming his future.

Foremost, the focus during an appearance at the team's youth camp at South Broward High School in Hollywood was the direction the Heat will take in free agency, with Haslem and teammate Dwyane Wade both to become part of that process July 1.

Asked if he expected Wade, his closest friend on the team, to be back next season, Haslem said "I think he will."

 Utah Jazz: Heat looking at Carlos Boozer if they can't get Bosh
Jazz power forward Carlos Boozer may yet get his wish to play for the Miami Heat.

But it could come with a price, according to a suggestion Wednesday in a Miami newspaper column.

According to the Herald item, an unidentified "official close to the Heat said Miami wants to pursue Carlos Boozer if it cannot get Chris Bosh (its top power forward choice), or, likely, Amare Stoudemire. Boozer would love to play here but would need to accept below his $15.8 million maximum first-year salary."

 Three-star scenarios are within reach for Heat

Miami would be pleased if it can re-sign Dwyane Wade, pair Chris Bosh or Amare Stoudemire with him and add a $7.5 million starter. But Pat Riley, who wants to build a "dynasty," is thinking big, and NBA people expect he will try to persuade two star players to join Wade here. So how can Miami facilitate that within salary-cap rules?

With another team's help, Miami can position itself to sign Wade and two other max-salary players. But some scenarios are more do-able than others because first-year max salaries vary. Here's how some three-star combos could happen:

 With Heat almost done, changes loom


As you watch the replay of Paul Pierce's game-winner, take note of who was on the floor defending.

There was Dorell Wright, who was the isolation defender on Pierce and did not have an opportunity to use the foul that the Heat had to give, and the other four bodies were Michael Beasley, Quentin Richardson, Udonis Haslem and Mario Chalmers.

 Miami Heat will be facing difficult choices in offseason

 With roster spots to fill, Heat eyeing Hasbrouck

 Could Dorell have a long-term Heat future?

 Miami Heat's top choice is LeBron, but team won't risk wait

 Miami Heat looking to avoid luxury tax bill