Stephen F. Holder of the Miami Herald reports: Agent Arn Tellem -- who represents free agents Felipe L?pez, Isaiah Rider and Kendall Gill -- confirmed over the weekend he has spoken to the Heat about his available clients.

However, coach Pat Riley sounded disinterested in Rider in recent comments, and Gill is believed to be strongly opposed to Riley's strenuous practices.

If the Heat passes on Rider and Gill isn't interested, L?pez might be.

The New York Times reports that one potential NBA Comeback won't happen next season.

Sal DiFazio, the agent for the former Nets star Jayson Williams, called rumors that Williams is hoping to return to the N.B.A. hogwash. Williams, who was forced to retire last summer because of a broken right leg, sparked the imaginations of some reporters by competing in highly competitive games at the YMCA in Somerville, N.J., a few days a week.

"He can't come back," DiFazio said. "He told me the other day that he won't be playing for a while because his back was hurting him. He said, `Man, I'm getting old.' "

Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel reports: With Heat free-agent forward Bruce Bowen still mulling the opportunity to be a starter with the Spurs, the player he would replace in San Antonio has been receiving overtures from the Heat.

Sean Elliott, the Spurs free-agent forward who has made it back from a kidney transplant, has received low-key interest from the Heat since the start of the free-agency period.

Bowen's agent, Steve Kauffman, said he has been told by Heat coach Pat Riley, "He'd be acquiring a small forward with more scoring ability."

An agent said the Heat upped its offer to Bowen on Thursday.

The Heat is believed to be looking at three clients of agent Arn Tellem: Kendall Gill, Felipe Lopez and Isaiah Rider. Sean Holly, agent for Hornets free-agent forward Scott Burrell, also has been monitoring the Heat's voids at the perimeter positions.

According to the New York Times, the Sixers aren't ready to let Todd MacCulloch walk away just yet. But the key to TMac's return lies in the ability to trade Matt Geiger.

The problem with trading Geiger is the 15% trade kicker he has in his contract. The Pistons, Bulls and Clippers could fit Geiger's contract under the salary cap, but none of those teams seem like interested trade partners.

The New York Post reports that the New Jersey Nets have made an Offer Sheet to Todd MacCulloch worth $35.8 million over 6 years. Philadelphia has 15 days to match the offer.

While the Sixers are able to match without making a move, they may choose not to do so due to the luxury tax. However, Philadelphia could move a player or two for picks, thus giving them the breathing room they need to bring MacCulloch back.

Peter Vecsey is back with scoop from around the NBA.

Sonics are unlikely to trade Payton to New York since they have no desire for Allan Houston or Latrell Sprewell. Seattle has also turned down an offer from Portland. The Knicks may have to settle for Terrell Brandon, but that's been rumored for years.

Jayson Williams, psyched over the acquistion of Jason Kidd, is apparently working out every day in hopes of making a Jordan, er, comeback.

Pacers in the hunt for Olajuwon, Bucks looking at Anthony Mason, and finally a rumor of Penny Hardaway for Bryant Reeves and Michael Dickerson. Sure Pete. Some of us at RealGM came up with that one about a month ago.

Stephon Marbury is determined to bring his passion for the game to the Phoenix Suns.  In his first news conference for the Suns, he talks about how depressed he was in New Jersey with all the losing (so were Nets fans) and how he wants to bring a new energy to Phoenix.  He gives Jason Kidd high praise but states that he is the type of player that wants to take the tough shots.