The Miami Heat have shopped a trade for Mario Chalmers and Chris Andersen this offseason and after trading both Shabazz Napier and Zoran Dragic, the team could continue to push for moves and this comes as Dorell Wright could be a free agent option if a spot opens up, as the roster situation is getting tight with players like Amar'e Stoudemire, Gerald Green, Josh Richardson and Tyler Johnson in the mix.
Miami is coming into the season after missing the playoffs last year following the departure of LeBron James and now the franchise is looking to get back. The team was active this offseason and made sure to sign back Goran Dragic to an extension and they also kept franchise star Dwyane Wade on a one year deal. According to the Miami Herald, the Heat have "aggressively" shopped Chalmers this summer, as the team is hoping to move the point guard and lower the luxury tax bill for the club this season.
Chalmers is going to be a backup for Goran Dragic and Miami would like to make that position a little cheaper as they gear up into next summer. The team wants to chase Kevin Durant and they would like to sign back Hassan Whiteside. According to Pro Basketball talk, the team wants to trade Chalmers and/or Chris Andersen, as moving those contracts would lower the tax and cap costs for this season. Miami has both players coming into the final years of their deals and since they are on expiring contracts they could be more appealing to teams.
The Miami roster situation is getting crowded and the team will have to make some tough decisions coming up depending on whether they trade Chalmers and/or Andersen. The team just signed Josh Richardson to a deal and they also want to keep Tyler Johnson as a backup for Dragic. The Heat reportedly have pushed back a decision with James Ennis about his future to help buy some time and he could make the team this year. Miami could bring in more players for camp, but after signing Richardson and deciding to keep Johnson, it looks like Andersen and Chalmers will be on the way out eventually.
According to Ira Winderman at the Sun Sentinel, the Heat could look at adding a free agent like Dorell Wright moving into camp, but that only will happen if the team makes a trade. Miami likes the depth it has around the roster with players like Amar'e Stoudemire, Gerald Green, Josh Richardson and Justise Winslow and if they sign someone, it likely will be a training camp contract player. Wright could come in on a minimum deal and if the team makes a trade he could fit. Miami already has Winslow behind Luol Deng and they are planning to give him significant minutes.
Miami waited a little while, but they signed draft pick Josh Richardson to a contract and now he gives the team some solid depth at guard. Richardson will play behind Dwyane Wade and Gerald Green and he also has experience playing point guard and can help there if Chalmers is moved. Richardson and Green also can help keep Dwyane Wade fresh when he needs time off or his minutes managed.
Check here for more on the Miami Heat offseason moves and roster.
