Chris Andersen (Photo : Getty Images)
Chris Andersen could be the next player to get on Miami Heat's trading block, according to reports.
The Heat has traded veteran point guard Mario Chalmers to the Memphis Grizzlies, but according to twitter post from Ethan Skolnick of the Miami Herald, the team are not done shopping players yet and could probably shop the "Bird Man" this season.
Andersen, part of the Heat's championship core, was part of a trade topic during the offseason.
According to ESPN'S Mac Stein, Andersen and Chalmers will help the Heat reduce their luxury tax bill in 2016. The report stated that the Heat is currently $7.8 million over the tax line, which translates to a $20.2 million bill. Hence, they try to deal players with expiring contracts like Chalmers and Andersen.
Dealing Andersen may be part of the Heat's plan to reduce their tax bill, but another reason Miami is shopping the tattooed player is their depth at the frontcourt.
Andersen has only played two regular season games so far, and has posted only 1.5 points in 6.5 minutes of action. The 13-year NBA veteran became expendable with the return of Chris Bosh and the effectiveness of Josh McRoberts in Erik Spoelstra's lineup.
Moreover, once Amare Stoudemire returns to the Heat after recovering from a knee problem means Andersen is as good as "coach's DNP" for the rest of the season.
Meanwhile, Andersen could still be useful for other NBA teams that needs help at the four or five position. One of the teams that could utilize the athleticism and experience of Andersen, is the Brooklyn Nets.
According to the New York Post, Nets' general manager Billy King has announced the team is "exploring trades," although the change would be not too drastic.
Right now, the Nets' only legitimate power forward is Thomas Robinson, who has only averaged 4.0 points in the Brooklyn's first eight games of the season. Thaddeus Young may be playing the PF position, but he is originally listed as a small forward.
The Heat could send Andersen for Brooklyn's Sergey Karasev, Andrea Bargnani, and Wayne Ellington, according to Real GM trade checker.
Another ideal team for Andersen is the Phoenix Suns. The Suns lack players with intensity at the four position. Bringing in Andersen could give Phoenix the needed energy, even if he comes off the bench.
Real GM trade checker approved a straight swap of Anderson for Mizra Teletovic, although the latter would not be eligible for trade until December.
The Heat has yet to explore trades from other teams, but it would just be a matter of time before Andersen gets traded.
