Celtics will host Heat, LeBron on Opening Night


Miami’s new Big Three will be making their regular-season debut against the Celtics’ Big Three at TD Garden.

According to a league sources, the revamped Heat, featuring the daunting trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, will open the NBA season against the Celtics Oct. 26, a clash that will be nationally televised by TNT.

The league will release its opening week and Christmas Day schedules tonight on NBA TV, and it’s expected that the Heat and Celtics will be prevalent in those games.

 Haslem thinks Wade will be back, not as sure about himself

Miami Heat power forward Udonis Haslem spent Tuesday considering makeovers, in terms of both personal grooming and grooming his future.

Foremost, the focus during an appearance at the team's youth camp at South Broward High School in Hollywood was the direction the Heat will take in free agency, with Haslem and teammate Dwyane Wade both to become part of that process July 1.

Asked if he expected Wade, his closest friend on the team, to be back next season, Haslem said "I think he will."

 Utah Jazz: Heat looking at Carlos Boozer if they can't get Bosh
Jazz power forward Carlos Boozer may yet get his wish to play for the Miami Heat.

But it could come with a price, according to a suggestion Wednesday in a Miami newspaper column.

According to the Herald item, an unidentified "official close to the Heat said Miami wants to pursue Carlos Boozer if it cannot get Chris Bosh (its top power forward choice), or, likely, Amare Stoudemire. Boozer would love to play here but would need to accept below his $15.8 million maximum first-year salary."

 Three-star scenarios are within reach for Heat

Miami would be pleased if it can re-sign Dwyane Wade, pair Chris Bosh or Amare Stoudemire with him and add a $7.5 million starter. But Pat Riley, who wants to build a "dynasty," is thinking big, and NBA people expect he will try to persuade two star players to join Wade here. So how can Miami facilitate that within salary-cap rules?

With another team's help, Miami can position itself to sign Wade and two other max-salary players. But some scenarios are more do-able than others because first-year max salaries vary. Here's how some three-star combos could happen:

 With Heat almost done, changes loom


As you watch the replay of Paul Pierce's game-winner, take note of who was on the floor defending.

There was Dorell Wright, who was the isolation defender on Pierce and did not have an opportunity to use the foul that the Heat had to give, and the other four bodies were Michael Beasley, Quentin Richardson, Udonis Haslem and Mario Chalmers.

 Miami Heat will be facing difficult choices in offseason
BARRY JACKSON

If Miami can sign Chris Bosh or Amare Stoudemire -- and there's at least a decent chance -- plus re-sign Dwyane Wade, that would leave only a few million dollars for point guard and small forward, which must be addressed. Deciding which of those two is more pressing will be among many decisions for Pat Riley, with the late-season play of Mario Chalmers, Carlos Arroyo and Dorell Wright factoring in.

 With roster spots to fill, Heat eyeing Hasbrouck
By TIM REYNOLDS

MIAMI -- With two roster spots available to fill, the Miami Heat are on the cusp of signing former Siena shooting guard Kenny Hasbrouck, a deal that could be done as early as Monday.

Barring an unforeseen development, Hasbrouck is expected to fly to Miami on Monday. If he passes a physical, he'll be offered a contract.

 Could Dorell have a long-term Heat future?

IRA WINDERMAN

Q: All this talk of trading Wright seems wrong to me. The team has invested so much to develop him, and just when he is starting to show signs of some development, it is going to dump him for salary-cap reasons? -- Shaun.

 Miami Heat's top choice is LeBron, but team won't risk wait


Two people who spoke to the Heat said LeBron James is clearly the outside free agent most coveted by the Heat, but Miami does not want to risk losing out on other targeted stars by waiting too long. Re-signing Dwyane Wade remains the No. 1 priority.

 Miami Heat looking to avoid luxury tax bill


Trading Chris Quinn last week and acquiring free agent point guard Rafer Alston almost certainly won't be the only moves the Heat makes before the February trading deadline.

With the point-guard position bolstered with veteran depth, the next task on team president Pat Riley's itinerary is to reduce Miami's $2.5 million luxury-tax bill.

 Mike James back to Miami? Maybe

 Heat open to offers for James Jones

 Miami Heat owner confident Dwyane Wade will stay

 Arroyo arrival provides true competition for Heat's Chalmers

 Miami Heat signs former FIU point guard Carlos Arroyo