The Miami Heat have reportedly discussed a Mario Chalmers trade with the Memphis Grizzlies this season and a deal could happen if talks progress. Gerald Green was admitted to the hospital for an undisclosed reason and the team has expressed support for Green, including Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
Marc Stein at ESPN reported earlier in the week that the Grizzlies and the Miami heat have had discussions about a trade for Chalmers. Miami shopped Chalmers for most of the summer in the hopes of lowering their luxury tax bill, but the team was not able to find a suitable deal. Miami has Chalmers as one of the backups for starting point guard Goran Dragic, but the team is comfortable with Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson behind Dragic if they make a deal.
Stein reports that sources said no deal is "imminent" but that the teams have "discussed" the potential swap. The deal could include Beno Udrih if a trade happens, but the teams also will have to make up some salary, as Chalmers is making $4.3 million this season and Udrih is making around $2 million. Chalmers is making 5.5 points and 3.0 assists per game in four games this season playing behind Dragic.
The Grizzlies have been off to a tough start this season and after 30-point and 50-point defeats last week, the team may be looking to make some changes. Mike Conley is one of the best point guards in the league, but the team is looking for some more depth off the bench and Chalmers could provide that for Memphis. Chalmers is in the final year of his contract with Miami and he said to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that was "surprised" but the reports, but that he understands that the NBA is a "business."
Miami has Gerald Green dealing with an off the court issue, as the guard was hospitalized during the week after an incident at his condo. According to ESPN.com, coach Erik Spoelstra said that Green "is safe and is healthy" after needing to be hospitalized and he was listed as inactive for the game on Thursday. Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade both offered support to Green and the team has not given an update about when he will be ready to return.
ESPN reports that players were not told "specifics" about the situation with Green and police added that there are no "ongoing investigations" regarding Green. TMZ reported that the police were called and that Green had to be taken in on a stretcher. Green being out could push Johnson to get more minutes and if he plays well, Miami could move forward with the Chalmers trade.
Hassan Whiteside has been off to a solid start this season and he is averaging 15 points and 10 rebounds in five games played for Miami. Whiteside is a key player for the team and he is in a contract year and will be looking to perform well. Whiteside had six blocks against the Cavaliers earlier in the season and he dropped 25 points and 14 rebounds on the Rockets last weekend.
