Will the Miami Heat Lure Erick Dampier?

According to the Miami Herald, there’s mutual interest between the two parties: “Sure, the Heat has about 28 feet of bodies committed to the center spot in the likes of 7-3 Zydrunas Ilgauskas, 6-9 Joel Anthony, 6-11 Jamaal Magloire and 6-10 Dexter Pittman. Each has either unique size or gifts. None is close to being the complete package that would make him the clear-cut anchor at the position. And that’s why Monday is the start of an intriguing period for the Heat. With training camp looming in a matter of days, there could soon be one big man on the market who has enough intangibles to garner a high level of Heat interest. Monday essentially opens the official bidding for the services of Erick Dampier. Today marks the end of the 60-day period from which Dampier was dealt by Dallas to Charlotte, which can now trade the veteran center and his gold-mine of a $13 million, non-guaranteed contract. Dampier is highly likely to be released by any team that trades for him, meaning he’d end up a free-agent available at a drastically reduced price. Here’s where the Heat comes in, depending on how drastic a reduction Dampier is willing to accept. Despite four bodies at center, the Heat still has questions at the position. Unfortunately, Riley only has the veteran’s minimum of $1.3 million to offer – and Dampier already reportedly has turned down more than that in some preliminary discussions on a new deal with Charlotte. But this is Miami. And there’s known to be mutual interest. In fact, Dampier has already told at least one long-time associate in his Jackson, Miss. hometown that Miami would be at the top of his list if he’s released. Dampier’s camp also indicated that to the Bobcats, who are convinced he’s likely headed for Miami if Charlotte can’t find a trade partner.”