NBA Rumors: Greg Oden, the next big name in Miami?

Apr 3, 2013; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers former center Greg Oden smiles while watching the Trail Blazers play against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Rose Garden. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

Now that the Finals are over, it’s time to start looking to next season. Not really, but the rumor mill has no offseason.

The back-2-back NBA Champion Miami Heat need to add size, it’s no secret. Perhaps the perfect candidate is Greg Oden. These low risk, high reward type of moves are exactly what the Heat need to look into.

Signing Oden fits that to a T.

Oden’s agent, Mike Conley, told FOX Sports Florida on Friday that his client “remains very interested in signing with the Heat this summer”. It’s expected that at some point during this free agency, Conley will sit down and talk with Heat president Pat Riley about adding the 7-foot center. Oden has been absent from the League since December 2009, mostly due to knee troubles.

It was reported earlier in the season that Oden was interested in signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and that the Cavs would offer a multi-year deal. Although, with the latest musings of the Cavs looking into drafting Maryland center Alex Len with the No. 1 overall pick, that could change things in Oden’s camp.

It would make sense for the Heat to pursue Oden, only IF he is healthy. However, that is one big IF.

(H/T FOX SPORTS)