The Miami Heat have been looking to trade Mario Chalmers and Chris Andersen all offseason and those players could get moved during training camp after not being able to find a deal this summer. The trades could affect James Ennis, as he is trying to make the roster to give depth behind Luol Deng and Justise Winslow.
Miami has been trying to lower their luxury tax bill heading into the season and they have made some moves already by trading Shabazz Napier and Zoran Dragic this summer. According to the Miami Herald, the Heat have been trying to trade both Chalmers and Andersen this offseason, but they have not been able to find a suitable deal. Chalmers is no longer a starter with Goran Dragic in South Beach, while Andersen is a little too expensive for the role that he has with Miami after the team signed Amar'e Stoudemire.
Barry Jackson writes at the Herald that Andersen has "not received much interest" on the trade market this offseason. Jackson added that while there has been some chatter about a Jamal Crawford trade with the Clippers, the reports have not been official and that has been more speculation than anything else. Andersen spoke with the South Florida Sun-Sentinel in an interview this summer and he said that he is "not concerned" about the trade rumors and that all of it is part of the "business."
Last season Andersen played in 60 games and averaged 5.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. Andersen is a player Miami wants to move because he has a $5 million deal for this season and that could help cut the tax bill significantly. Chalmers is also in the mix and the Miami Herald reports that the Heat may wait until camp to really push again for a trade. Miami has been looking for a deal all offseason, but Jackson writes that the team wants to take a "long look" at players Josh Richardson and Tyler Johnson before making a trade with Chalmers.
Miami has players like Tyler Johnson, Ennis, Keith Benson, Corey Hawkins and Greg Whittington as options in camp to make the roster. Those players are competing for spots, although Johnson is likely going to make it based on the guarantees in his contract. Ennis is on the bubble and according to the Miami Herald, whether he makes it or not could depend on whether Andersen and/or Chalmers is traded. Ennis altered his contract earlier in the offseason to give Miami more time to decide on his status, as he now could have his deal be fully guaranteed if he makes the opening night roster.
Check here for more on the Miami Heat and roster decisions and trade talk with Chalmers and Andersen.
Johnson came into the end of the summer with a fractured jaw after playing in the summer league, but it looks like he is ready to get back to playing. According to SB Nation, Johnson posted a video on the practice court at the Miami Heat facility. Johnson is coming in and is trying to make the roster as a backup for Dragic and if Chalmers is traded, he almost is certain to make the roster.
