http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/basketball/14944560.htm Posted on Sat, Jul. 01, 2006email thisprint this HEAT NOTEBOOK Posey decides to stay for another seasonBY ISRAEL GUTIERREZ igutierrez@MiamiHerald.com James Posey is temporarily putting off a long-term contract for at least one more season with the Miami Heat. Posey chose Friday to exercise the option on the final year of his contract, which will pay him $6.4 million next season and could make him a free agent after the 2006-07 season. But Posey also is eligible to sign an extension with the Heat before his current deal runs out, which now seems likely given his decision to opt and stay for another year. Posey's decision means the Heat likely will have very few decisions to make this offseason, and that, barring trades, next season's team could look very similar to the 2005-06 version. The free agency negotiation period begins today, with players allowed to officially sign with teams beginning July 12. The Heat is awaiting word on Alonzo Mourning, who has yet to make a decision on whether he would return for another season. But Gary Payton said he would like to return and is expected be re-signed, and Pat Riley said Friday that Jason Kapono's contract was picked up for next season as well. That leaves Derek Anderson, who could be bought out of the last year of his contract worth $2.5 million next season, Shandon Anderson, a free agent, and Earl Barron as the only other question marks from last season's roster. Riley also said Friday that signing another point guard is among his top free agency concerns because of Jason Williams' impending knee surgery and Payton's age. But for now, Riley has no intention of using the midlevel salary cap exception, which will be more than $5 million. ''We are definitely not going to be a taxpayer,'' Riley said, referring to the league's luxury tax. ``I like the team. I think the team definitely has developed a lot of confidence after this particular win. ``Yes, we will focus in on the point guard position from a depth standpoint, but not from a standpoint where I'm going to go out there and make a commitment to somebody for, unless he was a starter-type player, for long-term money. ``There are a number of players out there who have experience, that have been playing big minutes that we feel, at least from the information we have, could be had or could be available.'' Among the free agents who could intrigue Riley at point guard are Jannero Pargo, Lindsey Hunter, David Wesley and Eddie House, who opted out of his final season with the Suns. The Heat's top offseason priority, though, will be to sign Dwyane Wade to a contract extension. Wade is eligible to sign a five-year extension worth somewhere between $75 million and $85 million, which will kick in following next season and keep him under contract through the 2011-2012 season. ''We will have the conversation, whether it's at midnight, or [Saturday] morning or at a sensible time,'' Riley said. ``And we will move forward with really taking care of that as our first order of business.'' As for his decision to coach next season and Mourning's to play next season, Riley said there are no deadlines set.
more importnantly, if ben leaves then there is a good chance hunter hits the road too. i'd love to bring in a guy who can pressure the ball like he can.
I don 't think it will be Wesley, but ... you never know with Heat! I think it will be Pargo, he 's young and quicker than Wesley and Hunter. If they could sign House, they would be a lot stronger!
