Greg Oden working toward comeback By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

Greg Oden from Ohio State University wears a Portland Trailblazers cap after being selected as the first overall pick at the 2007 NBA Draft at Madison Square Garden in New York, June 28, 2006. (REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton)

As he continues to regain strength from knee surgery nearly a year ago, former No. 1 overall pick Greg Oden is working toward an NBA return, according to multiple reports.

Some sources told ESPN.com that Oden won't seek to come back until the 2013-14 season. Other reports said teams have expressed interest in signing him to a multiyear deal before the end of this season to allow him to continue his rehab until he can return for training camp in the fall.

Two sources told ESPN.com that the Miami Heat are one of the teams pursuing Oden, who is taking classes at Ohio State.

Oden had his third microfracture surgery, this time in his left knee, in February 2012. He hasn't played since Dec. 5, 2009.