Heat wants salary-cap space in 2009, potentially to pursue Clippers 6-8 power forward/center Elton Brand, who will be a free agent then if he doesn’t opt out this summer.

Blessed with elite centers in his career, Heat coach Pat Riley said he is determined to upgrade the position this summer, regardless of Alonzo Mourning’s intentions.

”We’re going to pursue one anyway, whether he decides to play or not,” Riley said. “If Alonzo were to decide he wants to play and has to wait until the middle of summer, I’m not going to rebuild the team based on his decision. We’ve got to fortify that position. If he comes back, that’s a bonus.”

• With part of its $6 million exception, the Heat should be able to find a stopgap center from an unrestricted free agent list, including San Antonio’s (and Heat alum) Kurt Thomas and Fabricio Oberto, Memphis’ Kwame Brown, New Jersey’s DeSagana Diop, Houston’s Dikembe Mutombo, Minnesota and former Heat center Michael Doleac, Seattle’s Francisco Elson, Toronto’s Primoz Brezec and Sacramento’s Lorenzen Wright. New Jersey’s Stromile Swift and Toronto’s Rasho Nesterovic have player options.

• Among restricted free agent centers, Charlotte’s Emeka Okafor, Golden State’s Andris Biedrins and New Jersey’s Nenad Krstic would be affordable only through a sign-and-trade.

• If the Heat lands the first or second pick (Michael Beasley or Derrick Rose), drafting a center isn’t realistic. It would be if Miami picks third or fourth (perhaps Stanford’s Brook Lopez). But trading that pick might provide the best chance to dump the last two years of Mark Blount’s contract (worth $7.3 million and $7.9 million). One veteran scout called Blount’s rebounding ”pathetic” for a 7-footer. ”Mark is a backup center [who has] proven he can start,” Riley said. “. . . We need another big body.”

• Notable veteran big men who could be available via trade include Indiana’s Jermaine O’Neal (has an opt-out clause, but is due $44 million over the next two years), Denver’s Nene, Sacramento’s Brad Miller and New York’s Eddy Curry. But all come with hefty multiyear deals. And the Heat wants salary-cap space in 2009, potentially to pursue Clippers 6-8 power forward/center Elton Brand, who will be a free agent then if he doesn’t opt out this summer.

CHATTER

• Although the Dolphins added three veteran receivers, they believe they need more quality there behind Ted Ginn Jr., Ernest Wilford and erratic Derek Hagan. That is why they have invited several draft prospects to Davie — including Houston’s Donnie Avery (a potential second- or third-rounder), North Carolina State’s John Dunlap and Brown’s Paul Raymond – and asked for more tape of Appalachian State’s speedy Dexter Jackson.

Among those battling for roster spots, David Kircus ”will be right in there for that third, fourth slot because he’s got great speed,” predicted Broncos coach Mike Shanahan, who once cut Kircus. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said Fins pickup Tab Perry ”is big, fast, has good hands” but added playing special teams ”is not what he’s looking to do. He’s looking to be a starting receiver.” So can he? ”Well, you signed him!” was Lewis’ nonendorsement.

• Although the Dolphins want to get younger, ESPN analyst and retired receiver Keyshawn Johnson, still mulling a comeback, said by phone, ”I’m pretty sure if I wanted to come to Miami, Bill Parcells would say OK.” . . . Add Auburn defensive tackle Pat Sims and Georgia Tech linebacker Philip Wheeler to the prospects who have been invited to visit the Dolphins.

• The reason the Panthers replaced Jacques Martin on the bench (but offered to keep him as general manager) was the belief they needed a coach with a stronger personality who would motivate and communicate better with players, and hold them more accountable . . . Former Panthers coach Doug MacLean, out of the league this season, said Saturday he’s interested in the job, but a reunion would be surprising.

• Tim Harris, who coached Miami Booker T. Washington to the Class 4-A state football title in December, said he will make a decision on his future in two weeks. Some expect he will take a noncoaching job at UM, where son, Brandon, is a top incoming recruit.. . . Ohio State will visit UM on Dec. 2 in the ACC/Big Ten men’s basketball challenge. They will meet in football there in 2010, here in 2011.

• As it turns out, Wes Helms got traded for $1. That is all the Marlins had to give the Phillies, who agreed to pay his $2.4 million salary this season. (He is under contract next season, though the Marlins could buy him out.)

The Los Angeles Clippers are playing the Los Angeles Lakers right now — 8:24PM Pacific Time.

Is anyone else watching it? The score is currently 40 LAL 35 LAC. Extremely fun game! I love watching the two LA teams play, but we all know how it normally ends (Los Angeles Lakers beating the Los Angeles Clippers).

Will probably have some commentary after the game is over. CHECK IT OUT ON KCAL 9 RIGHT NOW!