Steven H. Holder of the Miami Herald reports that Heat free agent guard Rod Strickland is talking with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He will have an informal meeting with Cleveland coach John Lucas by week's end, Lucas confirmed Wednesday.

The Cavaliers are in need of a starting point guard after trading away Andre Miller. They have been looking to trade for a point, but may be able to solve their problem by signing Strickland instead.

Miami hopes Strickland will accept its current offer of one year at the veteran minimum of $1.1 million. Strickland is seeking a more lucrative multiyear deal. Cleveland, with a payroll that is several million dollars below the Heat's approximate $53.2 million, might be in position to offer slightly more, possibly its $1.4 million salary-cap exception.

A signing is not expected in Cleveland within the coming days.