Despite the lack of improvement on discussions, the Miami Heat are still dangling Mario Chalmers and Chris Andersen in trade talks. The Heat are searching high and low for the salary cap relief and trading both of those players is the best way to make it happen. While the Heat have been linked to some deals with other teams, nothing has progressed, but Miami is not giving up just yet.
According to the Miami Herald, the Heat remain interested in trading both Andersen and Chalmers to get contract relief. Andersen is owned $5 million this upcoming season and is the more likely of the two to get traded. However, there has not been much of a market for the versatile big man. The Herald reports that Miami's best option might be with the Los Angeles Clippers. While the team does not necessarily need Jamal Crawford in a deal, they would gladly take him to get Andersen off their hands.
Interest is low for Andersen simply because of his contract. The Dallas Mavericks opted to sign JaVale McGee over making the trade. The New York Knicks are being linked more to Carlos Boozer than with a deal with the Heat. Miami might want the luxury tax relief, but the chances of a trade taking place appear slim.
According to the Herald, Chalmers has almost no market for him as he is expected to enter training camp with the team. Miami is hopeful that they can get a deal for the point guard by October or they could end up shopping him mid-season in a potential deal moving forward. Right now, Chalmers is set to be the backup for Goran Dragic until the Heat can find another move.
Chalmers has been working out with his Miami Heat teammates which might indicate a trade is not happening. Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Justise Winslow have all been getting in time together out in Los Angeles. That might help Chalmers' chances of staying put, but his contract says otherwise.
Heading into the season, an Andersen trade is the best option for the Heat. He became expendable with the rise of Hassan Whiteside and additions like Gerald Green and Amar'e Stoudemire. Injuries might be the only way he ends up getting sent packing.
