Every year since his arrival in 2000, Eddie Jones has been the subject of trade rumors. And every year, nothing materializes.

This year should be no different.

With Lamar Odom in place, word around the Heat facilities the past few days is that coach Pat Riley initially intends to use Odom, Caron Butler, Jones and Dwyane Wade together on the floor, probably as starters.

That would indicate that Jones will not be dealt.

It would also indicate Riley will continue to play a perimeter-oriented offense.

''I really want to change the thinking as to how we have played the game over the years because we don't have, nor do many other teams, the dominating low-post presence that we had with Alonzo [Mourning] or San Antonio has with Tim Duncan or L.A. has with Shaquille [O'Neal],'' Riley said.

``I want to get five guys out there that are long, that are tall, that are defensive and can all make plays. I think we have four of them right now and we've got a double-double guy in Brian [Grant].''