The Miami Heat are only four games into their 2015-16 season, but could they already be making a change to their roster? According to the sources of Marc Stein at ESPN, that is what they are trying to do.
Trade rumors are swirling that the Memphis Grizzlies have discussed trading for veteran point guard Mario Chalmers. It has been no secret that the Heat have been trying to move Chalmers in a trade; there were plenty of rumors around the NBA Draft that the Heat were trying to unload the former Kansas Jayhawk, dangling a first-round pick with him.
They found no takers, and instead moved Shabazz Napier to the Orlando Magic.
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While it does not sound like a deal is imminent at the moment, the Heat are once again engaging in trying to move Chalmers. But they should not expect much in the way of a returning package for Chalmers for a couple of reasons.
One being that his effectiveness has fallen off a cliff. Despite averaging a career-high 10.2 points per game last season, he shot a career-worst 29.4 percent from the three-point line. Things have not gotten any better this season, as Chalmers 1-for-9 to start the season from deep. While there is time to turn it around, he has not shown signs of that happening.
The other reason is that the Heat have a point guard they are invested in with Goran Dragic. Teams know that he will be running the show for the Heat, so it is no secret that they would like to move Chalmers. Because of that, they will probably not receive much value.
What the Heat could receive could be more important than a player. If they are able to move Chalmers, they should be able to cut into their luxury tax bill. That is something every front office would like to accomplish in a trade if they are above the salary cap.
At the same time, the Heat would open up almost 20 minutes per game that could go to developing a younger player such as Tyler Johnson. Johnson has bested Chalmers virtually across the board stat wise this season despite playing almost five minutes less per game.
While the Heat have incentive to move on from Chalmers, he could help a team such as the Grizzlies. He is still a capable defender, averaging 1.5 steals per game this season and is positive in NBA Reference’s defensive box score metric.
The Grizzlies are coming off an uncharacteristic start to the season with a 30-point loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers to start the season and a 50-point loss to the Golden State Warriors.
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While Chalmers may not push the meter much for the Grizzlies, they want to shake things up. He fits into their scheme as a defensive-minded player and brings potential three-point shooting they lack. The Heat should be ready and willing to oblige, as the free-agent to be Chalmers no longer looks to fit into their plans whether it be immediate or future ones.