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Oden to meet with Kings, Mavericks, Pelicans

Greg Oden

Former Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden watches from the crowd during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game between the Portland Trail Blazers and Memphis Grizzlies in Portland, Ore., Wednesday, April 3, 2013. (AP Photo/Don Ryan)

AP

Smart money says Greg Oden signs with either the San Antonio Spurs or the Miami Heat.

But he’s not going to limit his options and talk to other teams, according to Marc Stein of ESPN.

Free-agent center Greg Oden will be in Las Vegas this week for face-to-face meetings with officials from the Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans, according to sources with knowledge of Oden’s plans.

The question for Oden is what size and length of contract he can get, after all he has had three microfracture surgeries and hasn’t played in the league since 2009. For example, the Heat can only give him the league minimum, and they would be hesitant to give a guy with Oden’s history of knee issues multiple years. They will try to make up for that by offering a defined role and a chance to win a ring.

However, the Kings, Pelicans and Mavericks can all give a little money if they choose.

The Cavaliers had been considered front-runners but filled their “big man with risky knees” roster spot when they reached a deal with Andrew Bynum.