NBA Free Agency: Samuel Dalembert Favors Heat, Also Interested In Knicks, Rockets

Samuel Dalembert is one of the many solid big men available in NBA free agency when the period begins on December 9. The 7-foot Haitian-born center is among the league's best rebounders and shotblockers, and while his offense is as stunted as it's always been, the value of defense at his position is huge.

The Sacramento Kings traded for Dalembert a year ago, and the center meshed well with young big man DeMarcus Cousins, who slotted at power forward but could be a center long-term. With the Kings rebuilding and Dalembert hitting age 30, returning may not be in the cards. That's opened up free agent speculation over the past year.

And all along, the Miami Heat have made sense. Dalembert confirms that he's interested in the match in an interview with FOXSports' Chris Tomasson.

"I'm keeping all my options open, but Miami could be a good fit for me," Dalembert said.

Why is that?

"If you look at the playoffs with Dallas, you saw what Tyson Chandler did," Dalembert said, referring to the 7-foot-1 center who helped the Mavs beat the Heat in six games for the title last June. "He was basically a key ingredient for them to win a championship. And Miami didn't have somebody like that. Somebody able to stop (foes from) getting second shots and somebody able to rebound and finish. I could fill that role and be an asset for that team."

Dalembert goes on to cite the New York Knicks and Yao Ming-less Houston Rockets as potential fits, as well. Dalembert seems like a prime candidate for the $5 million mid-level exception included in the lockout deal, though the Kings could also be open to using him in a sign-and-trade.