Submitted by Darryl from Stone Mountain, Ga.

Q: I'm originally from Ft. Lauderdale but been in Ga. since 96' and I'm a major Heat fan. My question is are the Heat still interested in Brad Miller from Sacramento or are they content with Udonis playing the center position for them this year?

Answered 10/18/08 14:19:26 by Michael Wallace

A: I'm not sure if Heat president Pat Riley is every content with anyone on the roster. It's obvious the Heat needs another big body in the middle. But it's going to take some sort of trade for the Heat to fill that void. Miller is the type of rugged player with a soft touch that would fit well in the offense. But it remains to be seen if Miami is willing to part with either Udonis Haslem or Shawn Marion to do such a deal.

Submitted by Greg from Deerfield beach

Q: There has been a lot of rumors going on with a huge trade going down involving the Bulls. Ben Gordon, Larry Hughes, and Joakim Noah to the Heat for Shaun Marion and Marcus Banks. This trade sounds good for us, we get a a good point gaurd in Hughes and some much needed help off the bench to back up Wade in Gordon. Do you think this trade will go down?

Answered 10/01/08 09:06:44 by Michael Wallace

A: Greg, Thanks for the question. Please see the answer to a similar question above - or below. Can't remember how this thing shows up.

Submitted by mike from philadelphia

Q: Hey mike from philly again, mike i have to disagree with your seeding predictions you gave for for the heat at 7. I actually have them finishing at the 5 seed with a healthy wade who reminded heat fans this summer how good he still is. a full season with the matrix who is a steady 20 and ten guy and the kid beasley who will provide much needed offensive sooner rather than later. this kid can score am i expecting too much this season ?

Answered 10/01/08 09:05:39 by Michael Wallace

A: A No. 5 seed for the Heat is reasonable, assuming the team stays relatively healthy. But I think there's a clear gap between the top four teams in the East (Boston, Detroit, Cleveland, Orlando) and everyone else. Philly will be much improved from last year's playoff team, and Toronto is going to make some noise. So that's six right there. I think the Heat is right in that group, until it proves otherwise.

Submitted by Greg from Boca

Q: Do you think this Bulls trade will go down? I am hoping it does, Gordon is a good 2 gaurd and we will get some great help of the bench. Also Hughes can run the point along with giving us a three point threat. He is better then aby PG we have. What do you think about this trade?

Answered 10/01/08 09:02:45 by Michael Wallace

A: I think there would be major chemistry issues with that trade, which is why I think it fell off the table. Money would also be a problem, because Gordon is looking for a long-term deal. Not sure how much sense it would make to take on what's left of Hughes contract and then borrow Gordon for one season.

Submitted by James from Charlotte, NC

Q: Hey Mike, Congrats for the nice forum. I am a Heat fan who left MIA for Charlotte in 2005. Do you think D. Wade showing he is back at the Olympics forces the team to shoot for a playoff berth this year? Thanks

Answered 10/01/08 09:00:58 by Michael Wallace

A: James, Yes. Injuries more than anything led to the Heat's huge drop-off since the 2006 title. If Wade can stay healthy, this is a playoff team. I don't think there's any question about that.

Submitted by Roy S. Sears from richmond,ca.

Q: Hey Mike! Once again let me go on the record to say the pick of Beasley was a major mistake. Who was behind that pick? That seem like a P.Riley pick. What he did to warrant that hefty penalty of 50'000 last week just makes my point. The heat should have picked Mayo. People kept talking about Mayo work ethic. Now you have a log-jam at the power foward position. And this guy is'nt a power forward.

Answered 10/01/08 08:59:54 by Michael Wallace

A: As legend goes, Riley had to be convinced to pick - and keep - Beasley just after the draft. But it would have been a mistake to pass on this kid. I like Mayo, too. As far as the incident that led to Beasley's fine, it wasn't a smart move in the least. For the Heat's sake, I hope he's learned from that. But I wouldn't toss the kid aside just yet. And remember, Mayo's had some off-the-court issues and accusations come his way leading up to the draft. Few guys these days are spotless, right?

Submitted by Sean Crossley

Q: hey i am from st.kitts & nevis to small islands in the caribbean i wanted to know if d.wade dating gabriel union b/c they both was in my islands together and i understand that d.wade and his wife been apart for months now

Answered 10/01/08 08:56:51 by Michael Wallace

A: Sorry, Sean. Can't help you there, although I would like to visit your island. I don't follow Dwyane around much after he leaves the basketball arena, nor would I have any interest in that. His private life is just that.

Submitted by chino from miami

Q: mr.wallace what are the chances of heat trading for iverson

Answered 10/01/08 08:54:56 by Michael Wallace

A: I wouldn't rule anything out with this team, with Pat Riley calling the shots. They seem to at least check on all of the major stars when there's potential trade action out there. Iverson, like Shawn Marion, is in the last season of a lucrative deal and wants some long-term stability. But I can't see this happening, because AI is a get-me-the-ball-and-clear-out-of-my-way type of offensive talent. Not sure that would mesh too well with a team where Wade needs to handle the ball a lot and Beasley will also command plenty of attention.

Submitted by Jordan from Miami

Q: Any chance Livingston waits for us and doesnt sign with anyone yet?

Answered 10/01/08 08:52:03 by Michael Wallace

A: It's an interesting situation. Livingston, by most private accounts, is not ready to play now and might not be ready to contribute until the second half of the season. For any team to sign him and put him on the floor immediately, it would be a huge gamble. As it turns out, I think the Heat's only other serious competition for Livingston might be the Clippers, becaue of Jason Williams' decision to retire.

Submitted by Danny from Miami, Fl

Q: What's up Michael? Do you really think it would be a smart move to sign Marbury if he is released by the knicks? The guy has talent but clearly has issues. What's your assessment on this?

Answered 10/01/08 08:50:23 by Michael Wallace

A: Danny, Thanks for the message. Check the previous answer, because it relates directly to what you're asking.

Submitted by jae from Miami

Q: If the heat sign Stephon Marbury how might this affect the team you think?

Answered 10/01/08 08:49:37 by Michael Wallace

A: It depends on the mindset Marbury would have coming into the door. He can be a headache, as he's shown with the Knicks throughout his stay there. Even now, when it would be best to keep his mouth shut and get into camp, he's blowing whistles every chance he gets. Fortunately, I think Dwyane Wade's desire to lead, in addition to Udonis Haslem's intensity and Pat Riley's presence, Marbury would be kept pretty much in check in Miami if he comes aboard.

Submitted by Frank from Rainier, Oregon

Q: Where the heck does Jason Richards of Davidson fame stand in this equation?

Answered 10/01/08 08:46:09 by Michael Wallace

A: Right now, considering his knee surgery, he's not standing too well on his own. Jason was a long-shot to make this team from the beginning. Now, because he can not be waived while injured, his status on the team might be more of a setback than a rememdy at the point guard position. It was an unfortunate injury that couldn't have come at a worse time for both Richards and the Heat.

Submitted by Naaman from Miami

Q: How about trading Shawn Marion and Joel Anthony to the Knicks for Zach Randolph and Mardy Collins... The numbers make sense and Miami would actually be 2 million richer for it.Is there a realistic chance at this happening?

Answered 09/12/08 23:24:57 by Michael Wallace

A: Don't think so. The Heat wouldn't want to take on more salary. Marion is in the final season of his contract. And Beasley plays the same position as Randolph, but is even more versatile. But you never say never in this league.

Submitted by Andre from Miami, FL

Q: Hey mike, its Andre again, now with Magloire on our roster, who do u see as our starting 5. And who will be 2nd string? and do u think there might be a possibility of a major trade when training came starts?

Answered 09/12/08 23:22:53 by Michael Wallace

A: I wouldn't be surprised if there is another deal from the Heat at some point during training camp. If so, my guess would be that it would come prior to the team's trip to Europe in the preseason. But there is something to be said for sticking with this roster and seeing what develops during training camp. And my guess for the starting five would be ... PG: Chris Quinn SG: Dwyane Wade SF: Shawn Marion PF: Udonis Haslem C: Jamaal Magloire Sixth man: Michael Beasley (at least in the early going) Seventh man: James Jones Eighth man: Mario Chalmers Ninth man: Mark Blount Tenth man: Dorell Wright/Yahkouba Diawara

Submitted by Rjm from Orlando, FL

Q: Don't know if this is the right forum? But what's up with D Wade's family, I never see pictures of him with his spouse anymore?

Answered 09/12/08 23:18:33 by Michael Wallace

A: D. Wade and his wife have been apart for about 15 months now. Not sure if they're headed for divorce. But that seems to be the case. I don't even begin to think I know what's going on with a player's personal life.

Submitted by mike from philly from philadelphia

Q: hey mike im a die hard heat fan from philly so you can imagine the abuse i take here and there especially last season. yes i know we won a title less than 3 years ago but after last season it feels like forever, anyway the question is where do you see the heat finishing this year? i need some braging rights.

Answered 09/12/08 23:16:34 by Michael Wallace

A: I think the Heat has nowhere to go but up. Even with a 30-game improvement, Miami would be 45-37 next season. That's good enough for a sixth or seventh seed in the East. But I'm not quite ready to suggest the Heat is going to be better than the much-improved Sixers. So be prepared to take a bit more grief this season.

Submitted by Nelson Jordan from Miami, FL

Q: Dude, you need to update this more ofter!

Answered 09/12/08 23:14:23 by Michael Wallace

A: Dude, You are correct. As a bonus, we are switching to a better format on the Q&A starting next week. Stay tuned for regular updates as we get closer to the start of training camp.

Submitted by black the trucker from homestead,fl

Q: Hey Mike, now we need to make some moves, there are some trades out there, what do you think of bringing al harrington to miami. also eddie curry and david lee.j.r. smith could also fit here. in a three team deal maybe send marion, alexsander, lasame, jackson from golden state to washington for caron butler. golden state gets marion. we get harrington, butler. send blount,cook,powell to new york for curry,lee. sign mutombo bring back zo mid season. let charlmers play he's good. the way Wade looks with team usa is great. now dont just sit and let this slip away. we could make arun now. makes some moves man!!! what you think Mike? blount,haslem,banks and for ai

Answered 08/20/08 12:37:36 by Michael Wallace

A: Toss enough trade prospects out there and something's gotta stick, right? Sounds good to me. But seriously, I do think there's a move left to be made by this team before training camp heats up. But you really have to ask yourself the same question many other GMs are: Exactly who on the Heat's roster, aside from D.Wade, Beasley, Marion and maybe Haslem, do you just have to have? You can even reduce that list by two, because I can't see the Heat parting with D.Wade or Beasley.

Submitted by Kyle Houghtaling from Middletown NY

Q: hey mike, what do you think about the heat acquiring Kirk Hinrich or Jannero Pargo at the point this season? also any idea whos going to play center besides ZO this season, and what is Beasley playing SF or PF and which is a better fit for him?

Answered 08/20/08 12:33:19 by Michael Wallace

A: Hinrich is still available. But if the Bulls are unable to reach a deal with Ben Gordon, Hinrich might stick and simply move over to shooting guard in Chicago. He still has a lot of money on his contract and the Heat might balk at going that route, with D.Wade due to opt out in 2010 for a richer deal. Pargo, on the other hand, his headed overseas this season. He reportedly signed a deal to do so a few weeks back.

Submitted by Varune Singh from Miami

Q: What do you think the Heat will do next durning the off-season? Are they going to trade some players? if so who and when.Also what other free agents are the Heat going after.

Answered 08/20/08 12:30:23 by Michael Wallace

A: At this point, the free agency options are pretty much tapped out for two reasons. One, the Heat is out of free agent money, other than the vet's exception ($1.9 million). Two, there isn't much left out there that would immediately impact this team. Having said that, I do think a trade is still likely. It can be as small as sending Daequan Cook or Dorell Wright (in a sign-and-trade) somewhere for at least some modest help in the post. Or it can be as big as shipping either Udonis Haslem or Shawn Marion off to land a legitimate starter at either point guard or center, or both spots.