NBA Rumors: Why Greg Oden to the Miami Heat Is Ideal Scenario for Both Parties

The Miami Heat boast the likes of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, yet they still aren't in the best of situations.

Miami has a plethora of needs, but anything except ample cap space to fill those needs. The Heat's lack of financial flexibility has forced them to take a look at players that teams otherwise would pass on, including Greg Oden.

While Miami has been linked to every free agent available, including the bigger-name, more expensive types, it is the Odens and Grant Hills of the league that are their best options. In regards to the injury-prone Oden, he comes with risks, but at the price the Heat would have to sign him, he is more than worth it.

Oden already has been extended a qualifying offer of $8.9 million by the Portland Trail Blazers, and Miami can only offer him the mid-level exception. The money says that Oden should return to the Blazers, but if he wants the best possible opportunity to turn his career around, the smart bet would be to head to South Beach.

Portland's offer indicates that they have not completely given up hope on the oft-injured center. That being said, expectations may be too high on the Blazers' part once Oden returns to the floor. The former No. 1 draft pick was expected to be a perennial All-Star, not an infamous benchwarmer, and that is a reality he cannot escape.

As long as he remains in Portland, that is.

With Miami, Oden has the chance for a fresh start. He has the opportunity to start anew and become the Heat's unquestioned starting center. And should Miami take home a title this year, he also has the opportunity to be considered the "missing link," or the "driving force" that led to such an accomplishment.

For the Heat, signing Oden is a no-brainer. The team has already seen the worst with Joel Anthony, so even if Oden never set foot on the floor, Miami is prepared to cope. Additionally, he presents no more of a risk at this point than Mike Miller, yet he has the potential to pay bigger dividends.

Any positive contribution that Oden makes in Miami will be reveled—borderline heralded. In Portland, no matter what he does, the fans and the organization will always be left asking "what if?"

Should Oden opt to remain in Portland over a move to Miami, one day, he too may be left pondering"what if?"

You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter here @Dan_Favale.