Report: Stoudemire, Heat close to deal

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Crack open a bathtub full of your favorite red wine, South Florida.

Unrestricted free agent forward/center Amar'e Stoudemire and the Miami Heat are closing in on a contract, according to ESPN New York's Ian Begley.

The two sides are expected to meet Friday, when a deal could be finalized.

Stoudemire spent the second half of last season with the Dallas Mavericks after taking a buyout from the New York Knicks. Given the big man issues the Mavs have dealt with in the past 48 hours, one would think Dallas may want to retain Stoudemire, but it doesn't look like it's going to happen.

The Mavs did get a modicum of good news on Thursday however, when they acquired center Zaza Pachulia.

While a shadow of his former All-Star self, Stoudemire is still serviceable as a role player, averaging just under 11.5 points on almost 56 percent shooting between two teams last season.

The Heat have been active in searching for another big. They reportedly added a wing in Gerald Green on Thursday.

Stoudemire will turn 33 at the beginning of next season, which will be his 14th in the NBA.