Stephen F. Holder of the Miami Herald reports: Like most NBA teams, the Heat was burning up the phone lines Monday, the first day negotiations with free agents were permitted.

The representative for Lakers free agent Devean George, who could potentially fill the need for a starting small forward, confirmed his client was among those the Heat inquired about on Day 1.

''I think Devean would fit in nicely there,'' George's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said. ``The type of defense Devean plays would work well with the type of defense they play with [coach] Pat Riley.''

But adding a player such as George would cost Miami, especially considering the team is on the verge of being penalized with the luxury tax, which will be assessed on payrolls of about $53-54 million and more next season.

However, Riley has hinted at a willingness by owner Micky Arison to incur the tax, provided it would bring an impact player. Giving George some or all of the team's $4.6 million cap exception would almost guarantee a luxury tax.

''It's nice,'' Bartelstein said of the Heat's financial flexibility. ``They're a competitive franchise. They want to win and they'll do what they have to.''

Teams may begin signing player contracts on July 16.