Miami Heat president Pat Riley still believes that all-star Shaquille O?Neal is a vital piece to the Heat championship puzzle, and blamed this year?s heartbreak on injuries.

"He didn't break this year," Riley said. "He got hurt a couple of times."

O'Neal holds a $30 million option for next season, however, the aging center will likely look for a contract that would carry him beyond his 36th birthday.  Will the Heat bite?

"We're going to approach it in a real professional manner," Riley said. "Micky has had conversations with Perry, and I've had a number of conversations with him and we're very aware of where we're headed with this thing."