The Miami Heat announced today they have made a qualifying offer to Earl Barron, making him a restricted free agent.

Barron, a 7?0?, 245-pound center/forward, has appeared in 36 games for the HEAT after signing as a free agent on Aug. 8, 2005. He has averaged 2.2 points, 1.4 rebounds and 6.9 minutes. This past season he recorded career highs in both points (15) and rebounds (6) in Miami?s Nov. 22 contest at San Antonio.