Howard linked to Heat

Juwan Howard has been linked to the Miami Heat.

Howard was in many ways the most valuable player for the Portland Trail Blazers last season.

While the Blazers dealt with season-ending injuries to centers Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla, the 37-year-old Howard had his best season in several years.

He averaged 6.0 points and 4.6 rebounds in 73 games (27 starts) during his 15th season in the league, filling in at the center and power forward positions.

Blazers coach Nate McMillan and numerous Portland players often praised Howard’s contributions. Meanwhile, McMillan is on record saying he hopes Howard, an unrestricted free agent, will return to the Blazers in 2010-11.

A message sent to David Falk, Howard’s agent, was not immediately returned.