Several NBA people close to the Heat expect the club to explore acquiring Sacramento's Ron Artest or impending Seattle free agent Rashard Lewis, both of whom are 27-year-old small forwards. It is, however, highly questionable if the Heat has enough to satisfy the Kings or Sonics.

Miami has not made a trade offer for Artest, but discussions with the Kings are expected, an official with one of the teams said. Two officials said Pat Riley isn't deterred by Artest's past off-court issues.

The Kings will consider moving Artest but don't feel compelled. An official in contact with Kings management said Sacramento isn't enamored with Miami's available assets, which could require a third team's inclusion. Artest (18.8 points, 6.5 rebounds last season) is due $7.8 million for next season and has an $8.45 million player option for '08-09.

Although Miami loves Lewis' skills, there's some skepticism internally about whether the franchise -- which is above the salary cap -- would have enough to interest Seattle in a sign-and-trade. Numerous teams covet him, including Orlando -- which will have lots of cap space if it doesn't sign Darko Milicic -- Houston and New York. Seattle says it wants to keep Lewis, but the expected drafting of Kevin Durant could change that.