Yesterday, Jazz guard Raja Bell said in a radio interview that the Heat would be his first choice in free agency if he can work out a buyout with Utah. The real question is, when will the veteran finally hit the open market? Bell's buyout has been in the works for months now and should be a simple matter as he is owed $3.5MM in the final year of his deal. The conflict appears to be more personal than financial, as the 36-year-old has reportedly been at odds with the Jazz organization dating back to when Deron Williams was the face of the franchise under the coaching of Jerry Sloan. Here's more on the Heat as we wait to see if Bell finds his way to South Beach..
- Dooling's agent Kenge Stevenson says that there is no truth to the suggestion that his client wants to play for the Heat, tweets Chris Forsberg of ESPNBoston.com. Stevenson added that Dooling is at peace with his decision to retire (Twitter link).
- Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel hears that guard Keyon Dooling, who is said to be retiring, would also be interested in joining the Heat. The one-guard was waived earlier this week by the Celtics and the press release indicated that Dooling was ready to call it quits after twelve years in the league.
- In today's Q&A column, Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel fields questions from readers who are disappointed that the Heat did not sign Darko Milicic. Even the Heat signed Darko, there is no guarantee that he would have received more time off the bench than Josh Harrellson. Miami may seem pressed for talented big men from the outside, but Winderman notes that in Erik Spoelstra's "position-less" system, true centers aren't a priority.
- Heat forward Mike Miller is breathing a little easier after seeing the amnesty period come and go this July, writes Winderman. "I don't look at it as an escape," Miller said. "To be honest with you, I'm just happy with the opportunity I've had. I got a championship and they stuck with me through two [amnesty periods], so it's fun to be a part of this, still."