Speaking about his future for the first time, Marion confirmed our earlier report that he ''definitely'' would like a contract extension and will have agent Dan Fegan ask the Heat for one this summer -- even though Miami's seemingly in no position to do that because it wants big salary-cap space in 2009. With few teams having cap space, Marion is not expected to opt out of the last year of his deal worth $17.4 million -- though he won't say for sure.
The Heat will tell Marion it values him but that he and Fegan must be reasonable with contract demands. That likely would mean a sizable pay cut, perhaps to the $10 million-a year-range, beginning in 2009-10.
Marion, 29, said he wants a commitment from the Heat this summer because ``I've been in the league so long now and I just need that security. Everybody wants that.''
Maggette, Artest, Wilcox, Gooden, Rasheed and Bibby are among the other free agents not mentioned in the article.The Heat might not get a chance in '09 to lure Elton Brand, who hasn't decided whether to opt out this summer instead. ''I'm not a quitter -- I want to be here [in Los Angeles],'' he told The Washington Post. Carlos Boozer, Lamar Odom and Andre Miller are among other top potential '09 free agents.
Marion said that he


















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