The Miami Heat have talked a Mario Chalmers trade with the Memphis Grizzlies this season and it comes after the team shopped the point guard in deals this summer. Miami has started the season 2-2 and rookie Justise Winslow has been making an impact, while free agent signing Amar'e Stoudemire was out against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night.
Chalmers has been mentioned in trade rumors since the summer for Miami and this is the first report during the season that he could be traded. According to Marc Stein at ESPN, the Heat and the Grizzlies have "discussed" a "potential deal" for Chalmers, but that "no trade" is "imminent" at this time. Miami has Goran Dragic as their starting point guard and the team has been satisfied with how Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson have played, which makes Chalmers more expendable.
The Grizzlies have been struggling to start the season after getting blown out by 50 points against the Warriors and the team wants to try and shore up its bench behind Mike Conley. The Grizzlies are looking for 3-point shooting help and Stein writes that the team is "already investigating their options for strengthening the roster" after the 50 point defeat and a 30 point defeat to the Cavaliers. The Grizzlies are usually one of the best defensive teams in the league and now they could try and shake things up with an early season trade.
Chalmers has played his entire career for the Miami Heat and he is in the final year of his contract, which has a $4.3 million salary for the season. Chalmers was mentioned in trade rumors during the summer, but Miami was unable to find a suitable deal and it looked like the point guard would be staying for at least the first part of the season. Stein writes that Beno Udrih could be part of the deal if the trade happens, but that there will likely need to be more involved, as he makes just $2.2 million this season.
Chalmers has played in four games this season and is averaging 5.5 points per game and 3.0 assists for Miami. Chalmers said to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that the trade reports "surprised" him, but also said that the NBA is a "business" and that he understands the situation. Miami was trying to move Chalmers and Chris Andersen this summer to try and help lower the luxury tax for the team.
Miami is 2-2 to start the season and so far this year they have gotten some solid play from rookie Justise Winslow, who is averaging 5.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game to open the year. Winslow gives the team high energy on the floor and he has been getting the chance to come off the bench, playing at least 23 minutes in four of five games this season. Amar'e Stoudemire has only played in one game so far this season and he sat out against the Hawks on Tuesday. Miami is hoping Stoudemire can contribute off the bench this season.
