NBA Free Agency: Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat Battling for Greg Oden

Former number one draft pick, Greg Oden is causing a buzz around the league with his potential return to the NBA.

The former Portland Trailblazer unfortunately had chronic knee problems and seven knee surgeries in the past, he hasn’t played in three years.

With multiple teams eyeing Oden as he makes his way back into the NBA, (specifically the Heat), another team has made it know that they’re serious on acquiring the 7 foot center.

According to Jeff Goodman of CBSSports, Oden is narrow his options to The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat.

"The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat have emerged as the leaders to land former No. 1 pick Greg Oden.The 7-foot Oden, who hasn’t played since Dec. 5, 2009 due to multiple knee injuries, is hoping to take a visit down to Miami to meet with Pat Riley and the Heat in the next week, a source told CBSSports.com."

At this point a team is bound to sign Oden to play a few minutes. Maybe 12 or even 15 minutes off the bench, if Oden is capable and healthy.

If Oden does decide to go with Miami, the Heat would only be able to offer him a veteran minimum deal contract. However, if he decides to go to Cleveland, the Cavaliers would be able to offer him more, since they’re under the salary cap. Up to $4 million to be exact. As well, with Cavaliers big man Anderson Varejão out for the season and possibly out for the next season opener, the Cavs are in need of a big man.

Oden is currently working his way back as he had a micro fracture knee surgery in February 2012. That was his third surgery of the kind.