Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports: The Heat's pocketbook, nearly shut by the impending luxury tax, could be opened slightly this summer if a starting-caliber player wants to sign with Miami, coach Pat Riley said Wednesday.

Riley made several revelations in his first interview since April 19:

? He said his mind-set is to coach at least the remaining three years of his contract, although ``I'm not going to print anything in stone. . . . The whimsical, wispy feelings about the end being near have long since passed.''

? He said he prefers to keep most of his nucleus intact but wouldn't rule out trading anybody if there's a chance to acquire a top player or clear future salary-cap space.

? He said he prefers to add a U.S.-based scorer with the 10th pick in the draft and already has turned down offers of veterans for the Heat's highest draft choice in seven years.

? Although the Heat might only be able to make $1 million offers, Riley said he's ''optimistic'' free agents Rod Strickland and Jim Jackson want to return.

He said the Heat likely will pick up the partially guaranteed options on Malik Allen, Ernest Brown, Sean Marks and Mike James.

Riley has spoken to owner Micky Arison about possibly spending the team's $4.6 million exception, even though that would require paying a luxury tax.

''If you can get a productive starter . . . I do believe Micky will go in that direction,'' Riley said. ``There are a couple of guys out there I really like.''

Riley denied a New York Post report that Mourning has asked for a contract extension. The Heat's desire for cap space in 2003 would make an extension unlikely.

Riley confirmed interest in drafting a scorer with perimeter skills.

''We need a versatile, multidimensional player who can help Eddie Jones,'' he said. ``I think we're going to be able to get one at [No. 10].''

Riley said he likes junior college small forward Qyntel Woods and Indiana forward Jared Jeffries.

If the Heat can't find an ideal perimeter player, Riley suggested Miami would add depth to its power rotation and mentioned Stanford center Curtis Borchardt and Tennessee power forward Marcus Haislip as options.