If the Miami Heat are going to pull off trades before the season begins, they might want to hurry on negotiations. Both Mario Chalmers and Chris Andersen have been sitting on the market with a very small price tag to their names, but the Heat have yet to get any serious interest in either player. With the point guard market dwindling, injuries might be the only way Chalmers moves while Andersen could find himself a hot target based on what happens with other free agents.
At the moment, players like JaVale McGee and Carlos Boozer are getting looks before Andersen. Both free agents remain without contracts and would be a cheaper signing than the $5 million Andersen is owed with the Heat this upcoming season. According to FOX Sports, the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks are eyeing McGee while Boozer is getting plenty of looks from the New York Knicks. Once both players are off the market, focus could shift over to Andersen.
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Heat are ready to give away Andersen and Chalmers for next to nothing simply because they need the luxury tax relief. The team has the depth to make up for the loss of Andersen after they brought in players like Amar'e Stoudemire and Josh McRoberts. However, they do not have that luxury with the point guard spot. There is little depth behind Zoran Dragic which might make the Heat retain Chalmers for the season or at least the start of it.
There has been little interest in the point guard. The Los Angeles Lakers were linked to Chalmers as they continue to wonder if D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson will be enough for the team. The New York Knicks have been eyeing point guard help behind their young rotation, but only if Jose Calderon is out. The Utah Jazz need someone to replace Dante Exum after a knee injury. However, contract issues once again will be holding back any serious deals.
In the long run, holding on to both players for the start of the year will not be the worst thing the Heat could do. The team could easily get a better trade deal at the mid-season deadline as injuries begin to take place. That might be the only way someone takes on bloated contracts.
