June 24th, 2008 
Stephen Rhodes 
Posted in ??????????????????????????????
The Miami Heat managed to hold on to one of their core players for at least one more season as according to the Miami Herald, forward Shawn Marion has decided not to opt out of the last year remaining on his contract with the team; Marion, who was acquired from the Phoenix Suns along with Marcus Banks in a trade for Shaquille O’Neal on February 6, is owed $17.6 million next season and is seeking an extension.? Marion’s agent, Dan Fegan, added, “I spoke to Shawn again (Monday night) and we?ve decided that he?s not going to opt out.? It just wasn?t in Shawn?s best interest.? That?s all I can really say about it right now.”
The Herald also noted that Heat president Pat Riley is attempting to create major salary cap space which would make it difficult to make an extension for Marion possible; Marion is looking for a 3-year deal worth about $13 million per season.? Last season, Marion averaged 15 PPG and 10 RPG before missing the last 26 games due to back and foot injuries.
