Israel Gutierrez of the Palm Beach Post reports that the Heat are still trying to fill their vacant point guard position. They would like to resign Rod Strickland, but they are keeping an eye on other free agents as well.

The Heat would like to sign Strickland for one year at the minimum $1 million, but may be willing to use the $1.4 million exception. Based on contracts recently signed by Chris Childs (two years, more than $3 million with New Jersey) and Earl Watson (three years, $4 million), Strickland should command at least the $1.4 million exception, but his age, 36, likely will keep him from getting a deal longer than one year.

Miami has contacted the agent for free-agent point guard Troy Hudson, who averaged 11.7 points and 3.1 assists in a breakthrough 2001-02 season with the Magic. The Heat, however, would prefer offering a one-year deal, and Hudson is seeking a longer contract. Travis Best is another option.

Miami is also one of the teams still in the running for Boston free agent forward Rodney Rogers. The Heat still have their entire $4.5 million exception available but may not be willing to use it on one player. The Sixers were chasing Rogers until they signed Greg Buckner with part of their exception. The Sixers only have $2.1 million remaining, which Rogers? agent, James Williams, says is well below what Rogers is willing to sign for.