The Miami Heat have limited salary cap space left for the upcoming season, but that is not stopping the team from eyeing roster additions they think would improve the team for the 2015-16 season. Already the Heat have made key trades to free up space and depth, but they continue to explore other options while eyeing players to bring on. As Chris Andersen and Mario Chalmers continue to get shopped to the highest bidder, or just a bidder in general, could Carlos Boozer be the addition Miami wants?
According to Ira Winderman of the Sun-Sentinel, the Heat could show interest in Boozer if he is not swept off the market soon. The center would bring some versatility off the bench and would pair well with other bigs like Josh McRoberts. However, Winderman reports that the only way Boozer signs with the Heat is if Andersen is traded. Right now, Miami is working with a rotation that includes Andersen and McRoberts, but the idea of getting rid of a salary to help luxury tax issues could thin that duo out and force the need for Boozer.
Trading Andersen is easier said than done. His contract is turning away any potential interest teams might have in him. The Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks are the two teams eyeing Boozer, so if one of them misses out, Andersen could come into play, but the chances of a deal happening seem unlikely at the time.
The Heat already have 15 players on the roster which makes the interest in Boozer even slimmer. The question Miami could ask themselves is if Boozer is a better upgrade from Amar'e Stoudemire. Both players have the same skill set, but one has a bigger injury resume than the other. Boozer would pack a bigger punch on offense after averaging 11.8 points and 6.8 rebounds in 23.8 minutes per game last season. However, the Heat simply do not have the roster space unless they can pull off the trade for Andersen.
Chalmers is generating even less interest than Andersen is. The point guard is no longer seen as a quality option despite several teams still needing depth at the position. His contract is also a cap killer which is turning heads away. The Heat might have to let him ride out the deal this season and hope that someone takes interest at the mid-year trade deadline.
