http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/basketb...fla-sports-heat<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Heat President Pat Riley warned Wednesday not to dismiss Gary Payton as a Heat free-agent target. "Gary Payton is the best available player out there now," Riley said. "He's an incredible athlete. He's in great shape. He's never been hurt. He might be 37 years old, but he's aberrational when it comes to perimeter players who can still play at a very high level in this league at that age and keep up with the young guys. "Gary, his numbers from last year were as good as a number of young guards in this league. What he is, is he's proven. He's got savvy. He's fearless. And he can still play." Although Riley declined to discuss specific plans, the Heat apparently is weighing adding a point guard over a small forward, as well as debating youth vs. experience. Riley hinted that Payton's willingness to play a supporting role behind starter Jason Williams could be a factor. "I have tremendous, tremendous respect for veteran players," he said. "And I don't ever want to put a veteran player in a position where he's not going to be happy, where he doesn't understand what the role is."</div>
Kind of odd the Heat have not signed Payton yet. Riley has an interest in him, Shaq has an interest in him, and the Heat have their entire MLE left. I wonder if Payton is the one holding up this transaction, and possibly trying to sign on with the Suns or Warriors? He always talks about wanting to return to the West Coast before he retires. With the Heat looking at Steve Blake as the other alternative, I think Payton makes more sense for this team since they are title contenders.
I dont get it, how the hell can Miami have so much money for all the star and regular players that they have?
Bahir, they are over the cap, but they still have the full MLE (every team gets one) which is about 5 Million per season.
