Heat's No. 10 pick attracts trade inquiries

The Heat have the 10th pick in the draft and are getting some phone calls. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports that Portland or Orlando could be interested in moving up in the draft. Miami’s pick could be available to them.

According to two league sources, Portland has interest in a trade that would send the Blazers' first-round pick (21st overall) and power forward Zach Randolph to Miami for the 10th pick, if it would allow the Blazers to select power forward Amare Stoudemire. For that trade to work within the salary cap, additional players would need to be added, such as Miami's Anthony Carter and Portland's Steve Kerr. Complicating matters is the fact Phoenix is considering Stoudemire at No. 9. Miami would have little incentive to make the trade if it can select a player it covets at No. 10.

The Heat would like Portland’s Bonzi Wells, but as a free agent, he can’t be traded until he signs a new contract in July. The Blazers aren't believed to be interested in reacquiring Brian Grant, so a trade involving Wells likely would require a third team. Interest in Grant is limited.

Orlando, which selects 18th, covets one of the top power forwards in the draft and has spoken to the Heat about exchanging picks, sources said. The Heat's interest would be piqued if forward Mike Miller is dangled. The Magic reportedly offered Miller and its pick to Memphis for the fourth pick and Denver for the fifth pick.

If the Heat can’t use the pick to gain a quality veteran, they will likely keep the pick and choose the best player available. Among the players they would like to see drop to #10 are Carton Butler, Jarred Jeffries, Qyntel Woods and Maybyner Hilario.

Via Miami Herald

Miami Heat, Portland Trail Blazers, Orlando Magic, NBA Draft

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Will Blazers trade for a lottery choice?

Kerry Eggers of the Portland tribune reports that the Trail Blazers have added their names to the list of draft-day trade hopefuls. There are signs that they are trying to move up in the draft.

One report says Portland and the L.A. Clippers have reached an agreement in principle to send the No. 12 pick to Portland for second-year forward Zach Randolph and $3 million. Portland is said to be eying high school phenom Amare Stoudemire, Stanford center Curtis Borchardt and Maybiner “Nene’’ Hilario, all of whom are expected to be taken in the first 14 picks.

Another report says the Blazers are one of many teams hot after 7-foot forward Nikoloz Tskitschvili and would be willing to give up Randolph and even more cash to get into or close to the top five of the draft (RealGM note: the maximum amount of cash allowed in a trade transaction is $3 million).

If the Blazers keep the 21st pick, they will draft the best player available and hope for the best.

Via Portland Tribune

Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers, NBA Draft

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Heat may seek free agent small forward

The Heat are looking to free agency to fill their small forward hole. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports that although the Heat own the #10 pick in the upcoming draft, they don’t think any of the players available at that spot will are experienced enough to make an immediate impact. They may be forced to use a portion of their mid-class exception on a free agent three… even though they will be close to the luxury tax limit.

Options include Donyell Marshall, Rodney Rogers, Bryon Russell, Devean George, Lee Nailon, Walt Williams, Tyrone Nesby and the Heat's Jim Jackson. Bonzi Wells, who is a restricted free agent with Postland, would like to talk to the Heat after July 1st, when free agent negotiations are allowed. Acquiring Wells would likely require a sign-and-trade with Brian Grant as potential bait.

One NBA general manager said that there is a possibility that Wells ends up in Philadelphia with Dale Davis in exchange for Dikembe Mutombo.

As for the #10 pick, one GM said high-scoring Memphis combo guard Dujuan Wagner could slip to the Heat. The top prospects are Yao Ming, Jay Williams, Mike Dunleavy Jr. (if he stays in the draft before Wednesday's deadline), Caron Butler, Drew Gooden and Chris Wilcox.

Wagner, Jeffries, Woods, Tskitishvili, power forwards Maybyner Hilario and Amare Stoudemire and center Curtis Borchardt are also considered lottery picks. The Knicks, Clippers and Suns select directly before Miami, and two of those teams (New York and Phoenix) are targeting power rotation players.

Wagner, 6-2, has declined to work out for the Heat or any team picking worse than eighth.

Via Miami Herald

Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers, NBA Draft

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