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Heat seeks center, eyes Samuel Dalembert

MIAMI - One of the Heat's top offseason priorities will be adding a veteran center, and Miami has strong interest in Sacramento Kings free agent Samuel Dalembert. But even if the midlevel exception remains part of the new labor deal (which is undetermined), the Heat knows other teams can offer Dalembert more and would not be surprised if he signs elsewhere.

If the midlevel survives, and if it's close to this year's $5.8 million, that would give the Heat a better chance to find a decent center who could lessen the reliance on Joel Anthony (who's better as a backup) and represent an upgrade over Zydrunas Ilgauskas (considering retirement), Erick Dampier and Jamaal Magloire. And remember, Chris Bosh will continue to log significant minutes at center when Udonis Haslem is in the game.

But if the midlevel shrinks to $2 million or so or is eliminated, that would limit Miami's options and make Dalembert highly unlikely here. The Heat will be over the cap and can sign players only to the league minimum (topping out at $1.4 million) or the two exceptions (the mid-level and the $2.2 million biannual one) if they are part of the new deal.

Among centers, potential unrestricted free agents Tyson Chandler, Nene (player option) and Glen Davis (more of a forward) would be out of Miami's price range, as would restricted free agents Marc Gasol and DeAndre Jordan.

Free agent Yao Ming said he's not sure he will be able to return from a serious ankle injury. Portland has suggested it likely will extend an $8.8 million qualifying offer to Greg Oden, making him a restricted free agent. But that's not definite.

If Miami cannot persuade Dalembert to take less to sign here, other options include Kwame Brown (7.9 points, 6.8 rebounds for Charlotte), Nazr Mohammed (7.1?points, 4.9 rebounds, 52.2?percent shooting for Charlotte and Oklahoma City) and Boston's skilled-shooting Troy Murphy, who probably is better suited for forward.

There's also Joel Pryzbilla (a solid defender who has played in just 66 games the past two years because of knee injuries) and Kurt Thomas, 38, who played well for Chicago. The rest of the unrestricted free agent center list features journeymen and retreads: Jason Collins, Tony Battie, Etan Thomas, D.J. Mbenga, Jeff Foster, Francisco Elson and Hilton Armstrong.

Don't rule out Eddy Curry if he gets in better condition. The Heat thought he was clearly out of shape when Miami auditioned him in April.

Throwback Lil Wayne: Upgrade U |

Lil Wayne – Upgrade U Freestyle or see more Lil Wayne Videos

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