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RUMOR: Mike Bibby to the Heat?

As we approach the trade deadline many names are starting to surface as possible trade casualties. Mike Bibby seems to be on the top of the Heat’s list, but they won’t break the bank or disrupt team chemistry to add the tattooed superstar to the roster. As the league’s Thursday trade deadline neared, Bibby averaged 9.7 points and just 28.2 minutes in the four games preceding the All-Star break, leading many to wonder whether his uncertain status was affecting his play. The problem with the Heat adding Bibby to the squad is his rediculous contract which he signed in 2002 has three years and $40.5 million remaining.

The notion that the Kings want to deal Bibby is, at this point, common knowledge, with reported interest from Cleveland and Miami and every possibility that it might be a significant distraction. The decrease in playing time for a player who averaged 38.6 minutes last season was only the latest among the frustrating developments. Coach Eric Musselman would not specify why Bibby’s minutes have decreased.

The original plan was for Bibby to opt out of his contact at seasons end and sign a longer deal with the Kings, but that was before Bibby started to slump and the market began to be a crapshoot. Pat Riley has said publicly that Bibby does not fit in there price category, but that could all be smoke and mirrors. He doesn’t intend on paying a big price to acquire a quality point guard. Riley said age and an occasionally inflamed Achilles tendon are his only concerns with Gary Payton.

I’m not sold on Payton’s ability to play point guard the rest of the season. One of the things I feel is holding Gary back from contributing anything on offense is Dwyane Wade. When Wade went out against Portland last week, Gary stepped in and put up double digits in one period. One period! Obviously the answer is not having Wade defer to GP more, but allowing Gary to get more involved consistently, without Wade losing touches. GP gets rusty real easily at his old age. Get him involved more and keep him away from the 3 point line. I would still love to see a backup PG added before the deadline tomorrow.