''The Heat is over-thinking this,'' said an executive with another lottery team who has spoken to the Heat and wonders why Miami has considered moving down from No. 2. "Michael Beasley is the most talented player in this draft.''
Chatter on looming Heat decisions:
• The draft: Miami keeps sending mixed messages. Believing Chicago will take Derrick Rose, the Heat told one NBA official that there's a good chance it will draft and keep Beasley, unless something particularly enticing surfaces. There's support on Riley's staff for keeping him.
But the Heat told another official there remains uneasiness about Beasley's maturity (numerous people believe that's coming from Riley) and a continued fascination with O.J. Mayo. And Nets president Rod Thorn told media Tuesday that ''a lot of people think Miami is not going to take Beasley'' and might trade the pick, noting "they've been very impressed with Mayo.''
In fact, ESPN reported that the Heat worked out Mayo Tuesday in Miami (as well as Arizona point guard Jerryd Bayless) and is considering drafting Mayo second overall.
The Heat has spoken with Seattle and Memphis. But many expect Minnesota will take Mayo at No. 3 if he's available.
One general manager said the proposals from Seattle ( Chris Wilcox and the No. 4 pick for Mark Blount and the No. 2) and Memphis (some permutation involving Mike Miller, Kyle Lowry or Mike Conley Jr. for No. 2 and Blount/Daequan Cook) make little sense for Miami. ''That's not enough value,'' the GM said. ``The team that gets the best player usually makes out the best, and that's Beasley.''
The Grizzlies distanced themselves from the Conley report, and one GM said, ''Conley is the bigger asset than Kyle Lowry, but it's debatable if he will be better.'' Another executive said he has to think Miami ``will realize Beasley is too good to leave on the board. You take him and figure it out later.'' But the infatuation with Mayo has left that in doubt.
• The Marion situation: Marion, who will play out the final year of his contract for $17.8 million, has not asked for a trade but might if the Heat remains opposed (as expected) to an extension at similar money. But the Heat won't be pressured to deal him, knowing Marion -- whether he's unhappy or not -- would be motivated in a contract year. In fact, the Heat already has rejected trade proposals.
One executive who spoke to the Heat said Miami would consider dealing Marion for a top player but also would be content allowing his contract to expire next summer and in 2009, sign Carlos Boozer, who would love to play here, or Elton Brand, if he doesn't opt out now.
Contrary to speculation, as of Monday, the Heat had not offered Marion to the Jazz for Boozer, or to the Clippers for Brand, and it's difficult to see either Western team accepting that. One GM said if he were the Lakers, he would make a Lamar Odom-for-Marion swap. And with Golden State likely needing to spend a lot to re-sign Monta Ellis, that GM said the Warriors should consider a hypothetical Baron Davis-for-Marion trade (there's no indication this has been discussed. Davis, like Marion, is expected to bypass an opt-out.)
• Point guard: A Western Conference executive says Sacramento's Beno Udrih is the only quality starting point guard who could be affordable with the $6 million mid-level exception, with Anthony Carter, Chris Duhon, Keyon Dooling, Carlos Arroyo and Jannero Pargo lesser options. That's why a trade remains logical, barring Miami somehow getting Rose or Mayo. One Heat official said Kirk Hinrich's name was raised by Chicago -- that's still a possibility. Toronto's T.J. Ford is expected to be traded shortly, but his height (5-10), contract and injury history raise red flags.
• Center: Riley will pursue one, knowing he cannot assume Alonzo Mourning will be healthy. An NBA official expects Heat interest in free agent DeSagana Diop, with Kwame Brown, Lorenzen Wright and Francisco Elson among other free-agent options.
CHATTER
• Though the Dolphins would strongly consider adding another receiver if the right one becomes available (Dallas' Terry Glenn, for instance), they've seen more from their No. 3-5 receivers than expected, especially Derek Hagan. Plus, '' David Kircus has been very impressive and Greg Camarillo has been very, very steady,'' receivers coach Karl Dorrell said. Keyshawn Johnson said he's still ''seriously'' considering a comeback but that never came up when he spoke to Bill Parcells last month.
• With the Marlins getting mixed results in center field, why hasn't Alejandro De Aza returned from an ankle injury that was supposed to sideline him only until May? His agent said De Aza suffered ''a small fracture in his foot by working too hard to get back.'' The Marlins say he is ready to resume baseball activities. Marlins' center fielders rank 14th in baseball in home runs, but 30th and last in batting average (.222). Manager Fredi Gonzalez said Cody Ross will continue getting most of the playing time in center field .
• Plantation American Heritage shooting guard Kenny Boynton, ranked No. 3 nationally in the '09 class, said contrary to perception he's still strongly considering UM -- along with five others, including UF -- and won't decide until late this year. Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest point guard Brandon Knight, rated No. 2 in the 2010 class, calls UM a "real good option.''
