Negotiations with point guard Mo Williams dragged on for a 12th day Thursday, as the most coveted free agent on the market continued to sort through offers from the Heat and Bucks.

Williams and his agent, Mark Bartelstein, had been in talks with the Bucks since Wednesday night, and the sides were believed to be making progress toward a deal.

But Bartelstein said Thursday night the Heat was still firmly in the mix for Williams.

Bartelstein would not say if talks between Williams and the Heat or Bucks are being held up by a potential sign-and-trade deal. Because the Heat is above the salary cap, the most it could offer Williams without a sign-and-trade deal is $31.4 million for five seasons.

The Bucks, however, can offer substantially more under the NBA's collective bargaining agreement to retain a free agent. The Bucks last week offered Williams about $40 million for five seasons, but that offer is believed to have slightly increased since Wednesday.

''There's still some issues to be worked out,'' Bartelstein said. ``But I will say the Heat is still right there.''