Despite having not played in an NBA game since 2009, Greg Oden is on every team's radar. The center has been working to get back to basketball after a string of knee injuries has prevented him from playing. The Miami Heat have been one of the teams in heavy consideration and now it looks like the team will likely pick him up once the offseason begins.
Oden's agent, Mike Conley Sr., reported he has been in discussions with the Miami Heat president, Pat Riley. The two parties had talked about a roster spot that opened on after the trade deadline on Feb. 21. The Heat decided to sign Juwan Howard to a 10-day contract instead. They decided it was best to wait until the summer to further discuss picking up Oden.
Oden was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2007 to Portland, but has struggled with multiple knee injuries that have prevented him from ever playing a full season in the NBA. He has been rehabbing in Columbus, Ohio where he spent his college days playing at Ohio State. Conley Sr. had looked into Oden signing with a team while finishing his rehab, but no one has stepped up with an offer.
"I would say if I had to put money on it that he wouldn't do anything until this summer. It doesn't make sense now because teams will have a better idea of where they stand financially in the summer and Greg isn't able yet to work out with team," Conley Sr. said.
If a team does make an offer for Oden between now and the end of the season then Oden will likely sign on, however he is said to be the most interested in Miami. The Cleveland Cavaliers have been the other main team in the mix for the 25-year old. Oden is familiar with the team's facilities and has been spotted there while rehabbing his knee.
Conley Jr., Oden's best friend, says the center has been looking good in his rehab work and has been participating in basketball drills. Oden was highly touted out of Ohio State and was taken one pick above Kevin Durant in 2007. He has only played in 82 of a possible 328 games in his first four years in the league. He was waived by the Trail Blazers prior to the 2012 season after undergoing knee surgery. Oden has had five knee operations since entering the league.
Miami will have the taxpayer mid-level exception available next summer of just more than $3 million. They would have the financial means to sign Oden.
