The Miami Heat isn't going to let Mario Chalmers and Chris Andersen join the Cleveland Cavaliers despite the lure of shedding $10.5 million off their payroll. According to PalmBeachPost reporter writer Jason Lieser, the Heat is open to trade these two vets to any team, except their Eastern Conference rival.
The Heat are over the cap after splashing big on re-signing both Goran Dragic (5-year, $90 million deal) and Dwayne Wade (one-year, $20 million) this offseason. They can save as much as $30 million if they somehow find any takers for the contracts of Chalmers and Andersen, who have a combined salary of $9.3 million.
Cleveland presents itself as very enticing trade partners for the Heat. The Cavs are currently trying to get something out of Brendan Haywood's non-guaranteed deal worth $10.5 million.
The Heat would have easily solved their financial problem by sending Chalmers and Andersen to the Cavaliers. However, Lieser believed it is unlikely Riley would make any deal with the Cavs involving LeBron James' former teammates, knowing that these players will make a lot of damage against them if they ever cross path in the postseason.
"It seems highly unlikely Pat Riley would do a deal with the Cavaliers, who could use both of those players and have a perfect trade piece to give up for them. Cleveland can ship out Brendan Haywood and his $10.5 million contract, which does not become guaranteed until Aug. 1. That means the Heat could acquire him and cut him at no cost.
"However, even if Riley could stomach making a move that helps LeBron James, there is no way the Heat can make a trade that improves the team it intends to take down this season. Miami has set a clear goal of winning the Eastern Conference, and the road to doing so almost certainly will go through Cleveland. That reason outweighs any personal grudges."
By addressing their depth and securing Wade for at least a year, the Heat emerges as the no,1 threat to LeBron and the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference.