Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel reports: Agent Leon Rose, who represents Rod Strickland and Heat shooting guard Eddie Jones, confirmed Tuesday the Heat is among those pursuing the 35-year-old veteran.

"The Heat is definitely one of the teams interested," Rose said, after returning from Senegal and a tour with Cavaliers first-round pick DeSagana Diop. "We've been talking. A few different things could shake out."

The Heat thought it had secured Strickland last March, but after being released by the Washington Wizards for repeated violations of team policy, Strickland instead opted to join the Portland Trail Blazers. Since that episode, Strickland has changed his representation from David Falk to Rose.

Rose said he is attempting to "maximize" Strickland's earning possibilities, with options including a sign-and-trade deal involving the Heat and Trail Blazers. The Heat, without a $1.3 million exception and having already split its $4.5 million mid-level exception between LaPhonso Ellis and Kendall Gill, otherwise would be limited to an offer at the $1 million veteran minimum.

Stephen F. Holder of the Miami Herald reports: The Heat added another young prospect Friday with the signing of rookie free agent Tephen ``Tang'' Hamilton, a 6-8 forward from Mississippi State.

His signing brings to 13 the total number of players under contract with the Heat, but the team continues to pursue a reserve post player and a veteran point guard to share time with Anthony Carter.

Miami is unlikely to sign second-round pick Ken Johnson, who signed with a pro club in Italy. The Heat will retain his rights and probably sign him and invite him to camp before the 2002-03 season.

Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-sentinel reports: The most ardent pursuer of Heat free-agent forward Anthony Mason appears to be the Milwaukee Bucks. The question for the Heat may be whether it would be willing to participate in a sign-and-trade transaction for Milwaukee backup center Scott Williams.

With only one season remaining on his contract, Williams meets the first of the Heat's requirements, but his $4.6 million salary for the coming season could push the Heat close to the luxury tax. ...

The Heat remains among potential suitors for point guard Rod Strickland, a potential Hardaway replacement who Riley had shied from during the early stages of free agency.

Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports: Shortly after Tim Hardaway signed a three-year, $11.3 million contract Wednesday in the Chicago office of agent Henry Thomas, the parting became official. That's when the Heat and Mavericks announced the trade that sent the free-agent point guard to Dallas for a second-round draft choice.

The Heat received the right to claim a second-round draft choice from the Mavericks in either 2003 or 2004, as well as a $3.3 million salary-cap exception that can be used in a trade in the next calendar year.

"This trade accomplished several things," Heat coach Pat Riley said in a statement. "We gave Tim what he wanted by moving him to Dallas, and at the same time we created maneuverability for our franchise."

In other Heat news, The most ardent pursuer of Heat free-agent forward Anthony Mason appears to be the Milwaukee Bucks. The question for the Heat may be whether it would be willing to participate in a sign-and-trade transaction for Milwaukee backup center Scott Williams.

The Heat remains among potential suitors for point guard Rod Strickland, a potential Hardaway replacement who Riley had shied from during the early stages of free agency.

The long-rumored deal is finally a reality, and Tim Hardaway is a Dallas Maverick. In a sign-and-trade deal with Miami, the Mavericks sent a second-round pick to the Heat. The Heat will also receive a Traded Player Exception of $3.2 million in the deal.

Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel writes about Tim Hardaway's career with the Heat and how the loss of him will affect the team.

The Dallas Morning News' Jodie Valade reports that the Mavs trade for Tim Hardaway may be finalized as early as Wednesday. The Mavericks are surrendering their $3.2 million trade exception and a second-round pick to secure the free-agent point guard.

In the sign-and-trade deal, Hardaway will reportedly sign a three year, $10 million contract.  Three years is the minimum he can sign for in a sign-and-trade, but only one year has to be guaranteed.

According to Art Garcia of the Dallas Star-Telegram, the second round pick must be sent to Miami by the 2004 draft, at Dallas' discretion.  There is no indication whether it must be Dallas' own.

In a related article, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports:  With Hardaway's status on the verge of being clarified, it leaves free-agent power forward Anthony Mason as the next big-ticket decision for the Heat. The Milwaukee Bucks appear the front-runner for the All-Star forward, but Philadelphia and Indiana are possibilities.

Among those linked to Mason in trade talk have been Milwaukee forward Darvin Ham, Indiana guard Travis Best and Philadelphia guard Eric Snow.

Scott Soshnick of Bloomberg.com reports that Rony Seikaly will make one last attempt to resurrect his NBA career. ``He's going to try one last comeback,'' Seikaly's agent Steve Kauffman said in a telephone interview. ``He feels healthy and ready to go.''

Kauffman said Miami and the San Antonio Spurs have inquired about the 36-year-old Seikaly. His possible return comes at a time when NBA teams are desperate for big men.

The Nets gave Todd MacCulloch a six-year, $34 million contract after he averaged 4.1 points as a backup with Philadelphia last season. Dallas gave a six-year, $20 million contract to center Evan Eschmeyer, who averaged 3.4 points for New Jersey last season.

Seikaly will wait until after Labor Day to conduct workouts for interested teams, Kauffman said. He'd only play for a playoff- caliber club, the agent said.

Juan C. Rodriguez of the Miami Herald reports: Tim Hardaway's tenure with the Miami Heat essentially ended at the conclusion of last season. With the official close of his five-year run in Miami fast approaching, Hardaway's agent said his client would depart with no hard feelings.

Henry Thomas on Saturday said Hardaway was concerned comments he made to a Chicago newspaper last week might portray him as an ingrate. Hardaway has no qualms about Miami coach Pat Riley opting not to retain his services.

``He understands at this point in time they have to move in another direction,'' Thomas said. ``It was a great five-year run. He's just disappointed he couldn't do better. Three of the five years he wasn't fit to help the team win.''

Hardaway is expected to end up in Dallas, likely through a sign and trade deal.