Miami Heat point guard Mario Chalmers. (Photo : Getty Images)
Recent rumors went out that Miami Heat veteran point guard Mario Chalmers could be traded soon after this year's 40th overall pick Josh Richardson showed a lot of potential and had been consistently catching the attention of head coach Erik Spoelstra during the team's preseason games.
A report from the Dispatch Times mentioned that Miami "could consider a deal (involving Chalmers) this season following the impressive play of Josh Richardson in the preseason."
The 29-year old, seven-year pro, together with big man Chris "Birdman" Andersen, had been the subject of many trade speculations during the summer as the team reportedly wants to unload the hefty combined $9.5 million salary that the two veterans are set to earn this season.
It was also reported by Heat writer Ira Winderman at Miami's CBS Local website that getting rid of Chalmers' $4.5 million expiring contract, and that of Birdman's as well, would instantly put the team "under the repeater tax", which is the reason why it is highly likely that one or both of these players will be out of Miami anytime soon.
"I see the Heat doing everything possible to make it possible to move him in a trade," Winderman told radio show host Joe Rose, referring to Chalmers' status in the Heat's roster. "I think the first team that loses a point guard, the first team that needs someone on an expiring contract, I think as of now there's a very good chance that Mario is out the door because, Joe, it's as simple as this: if you lose Mario's contract and Birdman's contract, you're under the tax, you're under the repeater tax.
"You have a much brighter future for personnel moves. There's nothing in this preseason that has told me Mario Chalmers is essential," Winderman ended.
However, looking at the current Heat lineup, it seems that Andersen is more dispensable than Chalmers because of the return of superstar Chris Bosh and the emergence of young center Hassan Whiteside.
Miami has also signed All-Star Amar'e Stoudemire in the offseason and with Udonis Haslem and Josh McRoberts also providing depth in the frontcourt, it appears that Andersen is the odd man out.
