Report: Heat & Cavs Battling For Greg Oden
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Greg Oden hasn't played in the NBA since December 2009, but his services are in high demand as he rehabs from his third microfracture surgery last year and the Miami Heat are one of the team's looking to sign the former number one overall pick.
Oden, 25, is seven-feet tall, but has suffered multiple knee injuries during his career that has severely limited how many games he has played. The former Portland Trail Blazer is hoping to visit Miami and meet with the Heat and Pat Riley in the next week, according to CBSSports.com.
But, Oden wouldn't be available to any team that signs him until the beginning of next season. Oden's camp has said they are taking his recovery very slowly and hope that it will give him added stamina to make it through the rigors of an NBA season.
The Heat couldn't offer Oden more than a minimum salary deal. The other team that is contending for Oden's services with the Heat is the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs can offer up to $4 million in salary, according to CBSSports.com.
Oden has averaged 9.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 82 career games. In his only college season at Ohio State, he averaged 29 minutes, 15.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game.
