NBA Free Agents 2013: Miami Heat Closing In On Signing Former Top Pick Greg Oden

Reigning NBA champions Miami Heat are reportedly close to signing former first overall draft pick Greg Oden, a source close to situation reported on Saturday.

According to Real GM, Oden and his agent Mike Conley Sr. are set to contact the Heat for a possible contract negotiation.

Oden, who averaged 9.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game in 82 games with the Portland Trail Blazers, made a two-day visit in the Heat's training facility last month.

Pat Riley, the Heat president of basketball operation, said Oden had a solid two day workout, adding they would surely explore the possibility of bringing in the former Ohio State Buckeyes big man.

"We will explore that and see where it goes because of the possibilities," Riley told Chris Tomasson of Fox Sports Florida. "I think he's such a young player and to be such a force, that you'd want to monitor him very closely."

Conley believes the Heat provide a perfect situation for Oden to work his way back and play basketball at a high level.

"Obviously, they've got a need there," Conley said of a center. "It's a situation where they probably can't go out and get a top player (with the money they have), but they can take chance on somebody like Greg and his upside.

"The exposure (of playing for the Heat) would be good for Greg. He could work his way back into his game. I think Miami is a good situation," said Conley to Fox Sports Florida.

The 25-year old Oden was reportedly pursued by the Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, and the Cleveland Cavaliers, but the Heat remain the frontrunner to get the service of the former basketball prodigy.