Rumor: Marion Won't Opt Out

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>The second pick in the draft, a healthy superstar in Dwyane Wade and a four-time All-Star in Shawn Marion -- sounds like a solid nucleus. But it's not all smiles for the Miami Heat.

According to a Miami Herald report, Marion has decided not to opt out of the final year of his contract, which was his right. His agent and Heat president Pat Riley could not reach agreement on an extension, however, possibly setting Marion up for a lame duck season.

"I spoke to Shawn again tonight and we've decided that he's not going to opt out," agent Dan Fegan said, according to the newspaper. "It just wasn't in Shawn's best interest. That's all I can really say about it right now."

Marion has been working out in Chicago with Wade, who said he would like the duo to stay together. But he also realizes that Marion's expiring contract could be attractive to teams seeking cap relief.

"We worked out together today," Wade said, according to the Herald. "The main thing is, that's between Fegan and coach Riley. Only thing Shawn can do is let it happen. He can't worry about it too much. We're talking like we're on the team together. We're not talking like it won't happen. Right now, Shawn is a Miami Heat until further notice."</div>

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As-is, he's a really big expiring deal who is also a real player.

If he can't come to terms with Miami, he can sign a really big deal in a S&T scenario and go to any team that is willing to pay him.

On a pure money basis, Miami got rid of Shaq's ego, his ginormous girth, and his ginormous contract for a few years to come and got good use out of Marion for the couple of seasons (so far) they had to pay him.

I do think if the Bulls draft Rose, a Hinrich (or Hughes) for Marion deal makes too much sense for both teams - makes room for Beasley, gives the Bulls the PF they need (and a star), and gives Wade a quality back court mate for the first time in his career.