The Miami Heat may trade Mario Chalmers at some point this season, but for now the team looks like they will keep the point guard heading out of the preseason after shopping him this summer. Justise Winslow could be a potential starter alongside Hassan Whiteside down the line, while James Ennis is trying to make the roster after the team opened with a preseason loss to the Magic.
Miami opened the preseason with a loss to the Magic and the final score of the game was 100-97 after former Heat player Shabazz Napier hit a three with seconds left in the game. Chris Bosh was solid in the game for Miami and led the team with 18 points and he dropped all but two of those in the first half. Bosh made his first appearance after missing 30 games last season and he looked strong in the 24 minutes that he played. Bosh's health along with Dwyane Wade will be crucial for Miami having success this season.
According to ESPN.com, Hassan Whiteside was held out of the game for Miami while dealing with a calf strain and he could miss the next preseason game as well. Whiteside is dealing with an injury and Miami may want to be cautious with how much they use him, as he is going to be a key starter this season. The Palm Beach Post reports that the team will focus on getting Whiteside ready for opening night and the center said he hopes to play at least a little bit in the preseason. Winslow had five points in the preseason and he may challenge to start some games with a strong finish to the preseason.
Napier getting traded was part of Miami trying to lower their luxury tax bill and that was why the team shopped Chalmers so hard this summer. The team also shopped Chris Andersen in trades, but neither player generated much interest and there is a chance both remain on the roster heading into the season. According to the Miami Herald, Chalmers and Andersen each got shopped this summer, as both players are heading into the final years of their contracts and cost a collective $9.5 million together.
Andersen is more expendable than Chalmers right now, as Miami still isn't sure what to make of Josh Richardson and Tyler Johnson as the main backups for Goran Dragic. While moving Chalmers will save money, Chalmers has experience starting and playing in the playoffs with Miami and he is a veteran compared to the other players. Chalmers is making $4.5 million this season and while Miami would like to move that money, it may make more sense to keep him on the roster.
The decisions that Miami makes on Chalmers and Andersen are significant, as that could affect who ends up making the roster out of camp. James Ennis is working to make the roster and he could be a player that makes it, but there is chance Miami may not have room for him. The team added Gerald Green and Amar'e Stoudemire as free agents and that helps with depth in the backcourt and the front court for this season.
Check here for more on the Miami Heat, Whiteside, Winslow and the roster heading into the season.