Report: Heat F Marion won't opt out

Jun 24, 2008 - 11:58 AM MIAMI (Ticker) - Miami Heat forward Shawn Marion won't opt out of the final season of his contract, according to an article posted Tuesday on the Miami Herald's web site.

Marion, who was acquired along with guard Marcus Banks from the Phoenix Suns in the highly-publicized trade for Shaquille O'Neal on February 6, is owed $17.8 million next season and is seeking an extension to stay with the Heat.

"I spoke to Shawn again (Monday night) and we've decided that he's not going to opt out," agent Dan Fegan told the Herald. "It just wasn't in Shawn's best interest. That's all I can really say about it right now."

Negotiations with team president Pat Riley have come to a stalemate after nearly a month of ongoing talks.

According to the Herald, Riley's priority is to create maximum salary-cap space by the summer of 2010, making it difficult to accommodate the four-time All-Star, who wants at least a three-year contract worth about $13 million per season.

Marion, 30, averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds last season before missing the final 16 games with back and foot injuries.