The Miami Heat are trying to lessen the burden of their luxury tax issues as they prepare to head into the 2015 season. The team gave a max deal to Goran Dragic and heavy one-year contract to Dwyane Wade which has them well above the salary cap and in order to gain some flexibility in later years, they needed to make some big trades. With free agency in full swing, the Heat are taking advantage of teams with roster holes.
According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com, the Heat have traded former first-round draft pick Shabazz Napier to the Orlando Magic. In return the Heat get a protected draft pick for 2016 as they rid themselves of $4.5 million in salary and luxury taxes. That is exactly the kind of trade Miami needed and they are hoping to find it again with other players. Losing Napier was not a huge hit to the team as the backup point guard had just 5.1 points and 2.5 assists per game in 51 appearances. He spent a good portion of the year in the D-League before getting injured with a sports hernia that knocked him out in March.
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the next move for the Heat is getting a deal done for Mario Chalmers. Miami has been exploring the market for the veteran point guard as they aim to also rid themselves of his salary, but so far that is easier said than done. There are teams in need of point guard help heading into the season, but no one likes the idea of getting Chalmers' contract. The Los Angeles Lakers need a veteran behind D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson. The Brooklyn Nets could use depth behind Jarrett Jack following the departure of Deron Williams. There are a few options if the Heat do not plan on asking for anything in return.
Retaining Chalmers would not be the worst idea for the Heat even with his salary as the team could use the depth. Justise Winsow is expected to see immediate playing time on the court and can handle a backcourt, but the team lacks true point guards after dealing away several players. Chalmers could end up being the best available backup for Dragic for at least the coming season. Chalmers has just one year left on his current contract and will be an unrestricted free agent come 2016. While most teams like the idea of getting that contract, the Heat could also easily keep it.