FLORIDA SPORTS BUZZ

Sports Buzz | Decision looms for Marion, Heat; Dolphins meet with draft prospects

By BARRY JACKSON

bjackson@MiamiHerald.com

Shawn Marion played about as well as the Heat could have expected before his recent back spasms, but their relationship will be tested this summer.

Though Marion and agent Dan Fegan aren't ready to discuss their intentions, this much is clear: Marion would like to clarify his future this summer and is expected to ask the Heat for an extension beyond the remaining year on his contract. But it's difficult to envision the Heat making that commitment.

Marion likely will not opt out of his contract's final year (worth $17.4 million), because he won't get comparable money on the open market. If the Heat shows interest in an extension, opting out would allow him to re-sign for six years -- otherwise, an extension would be limited to three years (before June 30) or four (after June 30) under league rules. But that's highly unlikely.

The Heat privately has indicated a willingness to speak to Marion about a multiyear deal, but it would be surprising if it happens because Miami covets salary-cap space in 2009.

Elton Brand, whom the Heat tried to acquire in 2003, is among players with expiring contracts that summer. (The Clippers doubt he will exercise his opt-out this summer.)

Among others who could be free agents in summer 2009: Andre Miller, Carlos Boozer, Hedo Turkoglu and Lamar Odom.

Asked recently if the Heat would do anything to preclude having cap space in summer 2009 (barring Marion opting out this summer), Pat Riley said, ''No. I hope not. We definitely want to make sure we try to have a bite of the apple the year after next.'' Asked if that precludes an extension for Marion, Riley said, ``We haven't done a hypothetical on that yet.''

Fegan is a tough negotiator, so the notion of Marion taking a big pay cut as part of a multiyear extension is implausible.

The issue will be how Marion and Fegan respond if the Heat doesn't offer a lucrative extension. (He clearly wasn't happy in Phoenix about not getting a new deal.)

So even though the Heat values Marion and would keep him at the right price, a summer trade remains a possibility.

• Could the Heat keep Marion, who turns 30 on May 7, and still have space to sign Brand in 2009?

It's not impossible, but would be difficult to pull off.

The cap is projected to be $57 million or so next season and $59 million-$60 million in 2009-2010.

The Heat has about $40.7 million in cap commitments for 2009-2010, including an estimated $4 million for this year's draft pick.

That also includes Dwyane Wade ($15.8 million), Mark Blount ($8 million), Udonis Haslem ($7.1 million), Marcus Banks ($4.5 million) and Daequan Cook ($1.3 million).

If the Heat trades Haslem or Blount this summer or next season for a contract that expires after 2008-09 -- and doesn't take on any multiyear contracts this summer -- Miami could clear out about $26 million in cap space for summer 2009. (If the Heat signs Brand that summer, Marion would need to take a big pay cut to stay.)

That number would swell to $33 million if Haslem and Blount are dealt for deals that expire after next season.

For now, Fegan says only this: ``We haven't made a determination about [opting out]. We will analyze the market's factors at year's end. My expectation is I will sit down with them at season's end and discuss Shawn's future with the Heat.''

CHATTER

• Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland, coach Tony Sparano and defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni met with defensive end Chris Long for more than two hours on the Virginia campus Tuesday. Ireland and Sparano led a group that met with quarterback Matt Ryan on Monday at Boston College. The Dolphins will meet with offensive tackle Jake Long in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Wednesday. All three remain options for the No. 1 pick.

• UM players -- including Kenny Phillips, Calais Campbell, Tavares Gooden and Kyle Wright -- will work out for the Dolphins on April 11. Though some believe Phillips will be available when Miami picks 32nd, he said Miami wasn't among 24 teams that met with him at the NFL combine. With more pressing needs (offensive line, etc.), it's doubtful that the Dolphins will take a safety that high. . . .

• The Dolphins -- who were scheduled to work out Michigan quarterback Chad Henne on Tuesday, have inquired about scheduling a private session with Louisville's Brian Brohm, who also could be available at pick No. 32. . . . The first round has only 31 picks -- New England forfeited its first round selection as punishment for Spygate. The University of Arkansas said no Dolphins official attended its pro day Tuesday -- more evidence that Darren McFadden is not on the Dolphins' radar.

• Manager Fredi Gonzalez said Tuesday he will go with a straight platoon in center field, with Alejandro De Aza (.327 this spring) against right-handers, and Cody Ross (.257) vs. lefties. . . . President of baseball operations Larry Beinfest expects Cameron Maybin will be brought back to the big-league team sometime this summer and explained he was sent to Double A instead of Triple A because ``he hasn't had a lot of at-bats at Double A and the pitching is good.''

• So who are the most improved Marlins? Gonzalez says Rick VandenHurk and Hanley Ramirez. Why Ramirez, who's already great? ''He's showing more leadership, better work habits, taking charge of situations,'' Gonzalez said. ``The way he's carrying himself has been tremendous. You see the maturity level.''

• The Baltimore Orioles are willing to stay at Fort Lauderdale Stadium if the Federal Aviation Administration approves the city's deal to renovate and expand the site, which is adjacent to Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport.

So what's the holdup? A government spokesman said Tuesday that the FAA is ''still waiting on information'' from the city. But Fort Lauderdale spokesman Ted Lawson said there's a ''stalemate'' because the FAA wants the land appraised as if it were a commercial industrial site and ''it's impossible to do that hypothetical.'' (So this could kill spring ball in Broward? You must be kidding.)

The Orioles earlier exercised a lease to play in Fort Lauderdale next season and ''we fully expect them to honor the commitment,'' spokesman Chaz Adams said. Orioles spokesman Greg Bader declined to comment.

• Sightings: Jimmy Johnson, Bill Belichick, Butch Davis and actor Gene Hackman having lunch together Saturday at Hog Heaven in Islamorada.