[HEATLUNATIC]

The Heat could be running out of options for a starting point guard.

Days after Minnesota free agent Chauncey Billups agreed in principle to a long-term deal with Detroit,the representative of Chicago free agent Travis Best indicated his client could be close to signing with a team other than Miami.

Let's just say we have some things cooking that would take us off the market very soon,said Forrest King,Best's agent.We could have a deal by [July] 17th.

That's the first day free agents are permitted to sign contracts,and Best could be among those whose fate is determined shortly thereafter.

We're thinking sooner rather than later,King said.

King confirmed talks with the Heat are ongoing.The two sides have not discussed specifics,and talks with other clubs have progressed beyond that point.Still,Best said he feels Miami could be the place for him.

We think that,clearly,the best fit for [the Heat] is Travis,King said.
He can run a halfcourt offense,and he can run the break.And he can also create his own shot.

Miami is still talking with Rod Strickland,who averaged 10.1 points and 6.1 assists last season after taking the starting job from Anthony Carter and never relinquishing it.

But Strickland turned 36 on Thursday,and his age will become a factor if he seeks a multiyear deal.Also,Strickland is believed to be seeking a raise over the $1 million veteran minimum he earned last season.Best is seeking a yearly salary starting at about $4.6 million.

With Billups and Best possibly coming off the market next week,the Heat's top free agent options -- other than Strickland -- might be Chris Childs and Jeff McInnis.McInnis agent said last week he planned to speak with the Heat about his client.

Childs' agent has been unavailable for comment,and the Heat does not comment on free agency negotiations.

Miami Herald

WTF,pay the man Riles!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Cager]

If it matters to Heat fans, Travis is a quality person and teammate. Much different that Strickland or McInnis from that standpoint. I think the Heat should move on Best as he would fit in well and could provide you 2-3 years of quality play. He also would be fine if you bring in a potential PG star in the future.

 

[Takeit2dahouse00]

He would also help us win =)

 

[Takeit2dahouse00]

I think we might have a problem =(

 

[HEATLUNATIC]

Best man for Bucks?

Tom Enlund of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that the Bucks may solve their backup point guard problems.The Bucks were in dire need of a backup point guard until Greg Anthony was signed late last season.Anthony and guard Rafer Alston are both free agents and it's quite possible that both have played their last game in a Bucks uniform.

Nothing has been finalized,but the Bucks have been in contact with Best's agent,Forrest King.That's a distinct possibility,King said.That would be a perfect fit for us.But Milwaukee still has some things they haven't quite settled.King didn't elaborate,but he may have been referring to the trade rumors swirling around the Bucks.

Bucks GM Ernie Grunfeld downplayed the conversations with King.
We've made a lot of calls to a lot of free agents,he said.Travis is a good player with good experience and he is one of the players we have contacted.

According to King,Best likes the thought of joining the Bucks.He's intrigued by the arrangement Milwaukee has,King said.He'd be playing off and on with Sam Cassell.We're looking at how a team is laid out.That's our primary focal point,where he could contribute most.

The Bucks are close to the luxury tax limit and are strapped financially.They will probably not be able to sign a free agent like Best outright,but a sign-and-trade deal could be worked out.

The Bulls are reportedly in the market for a veteran big man like Corie Blount or Danny Manning.The Bucks have a plethora of big men on their roster:Anthony Mason,Darvin Ham,Jason Caffey,Greg Foster,Joel Przybilla,Ervin Johnson and Mark Pope along with rookies Marcus Haislip,Dan Gadzuric and Jamal Sampson.

King acknowledged it might take a sign-and-trade to find Best a new home.We've looked at a lot of different possibilities but none have panned out so far,he said.

RealGM.com

 

[Takeit2dahouse00]

As long as we get someone to start over Anthony carter im happy