The Heat are reportedly looking to trade Mario Chalmers and Chris Andersen.
At least their asking price is right.
Andersen ($5 million) and Chalmers ($4.3 million) have expiring contracts. There isn’t a long-term obligation for Miami or a team that would take those two.
But the Heat face a large tax bill with Dwyane Wade and Goran Dragic returning. So, they have incentive to move Andersen and Chalmers this season.
Easier said than done, though.
Andersen turns 37 next month, and he’s declining. Chalmers just had the worst season of his career. Maybe a team left with cap room after most free agents sign would take one or the other, but that’s far from a lock.
The Heat might need to include a sweetener, though they can’t trade any more future first-round picks. Second-rounders could work, or Miami could entice a team with Napier – which would cut payroll even further.
Dragic, Wade, Luol Deng, Chris Bosh and Hassan Whiteside give the Heat an impressive and balanced starting lineup. But depth might run too expensive – at least if they can afford the cost of dumping Chalmers and Andersen. Getting nothing in return might not be enough.