Employee #8 Scheduled to Meet with Riles

July 30, 2005 Antoine Walker might not be getting blown away by offers, but he got a face-to-face this week with the face of the Miami Heat team president Pat Riley.

Walker, a free agent, met with Riley Thursday in what was described by both sides as a feeling-out session. Miami, like most teams, would have to execute a sign-and-trade with the Celtics to give Walker the money he wants.

        That presumes the Heat have someone on their roster the Celtics might like not named Shaquille O'Neal or Dwyane Wade. Walker's agent, Mark Bartelstein, told the Sun-Sentinel of South Florida there will be "ongoing conversations" between the Heat and Employee No. 8.

Walker has been a three-time All-Star, but has been unable to land a job. As far as resumes go, he remains one of the more attractive free agents.