Miami Heat, Erick Dampier Reportedly Close to Deal

Filed under: Heat, NBA Rumors

The Miami Heat are reportedly close to signing free-agent center Erick Dampier, a move intended to bolster a frontline that was often overmatched even before the loss of key reserve Udonis Haslem, who's sidelined indefinitely after suffering a torn ligament in his left foot Saturday.

The Heat have already extended a one-year offer to Dampier, who is expected to accept the deal pending a physical Tuesday, reports CBS Sports' Ken Berger. FanHouse's Sam Amick has confirmed with a source close to the situation that Dampier is in Miami and "close" to agreeing on a contract, although the Heat would need to clear a roster spot before any deal could be made official.

The Miami Heat first explored the possibility of signing Dampier in September but ultimately passed, deciding to enter the season with Joel Anthony, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Jamaal Magliore at the center position -- in part because the rugged Haslem, a 6-foot-8 power forward, was capable of playing out of position for stretches. But Haslem will be sidelined until at least the All-Star break, and perhaps even the rest of the season, after undergoing surgery Tuesday to repair his injured foot.

 

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Source: http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/11/23/miami-heat-erick-dampier-reportedly-close-to-deal/

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