It looks like the Miami Heat will be parting ways with their long-time reserve point guard Mario Chalmers as the Memphis Grizzlies have expressed interest in him.
The Heat are vocal about their desire to move the point guard to avoid getting hit by the luxury tax bill. Now, it looks like they have finally found a willing trade partner to take on Rio's $4.3 million contract.
Here's Manny Navarro of the Miami Herald's report via NBA.com regarding the situation.
"The Grizzlies are reportedly looking to find a spark after being blown out by the Cavs and Warriors to start the season and are disappointed in the play of 33-year-old current backup Beno Udrih," Navarro wrote.
"By trading Chalmers (he's making $4.3 million this season) the Heat could not only slice its luxury-tax bill, but find a way to get more playing time for second-year pro Tyler Johnson and rookie Josh Richardson, who was finally active for the first time Tuesday against the Hawks with Gerald Green (illness) out."
"Chalmers declined comment before Tuesday's game, saying he would be available after the game."
The Heat are pretty much loaded with players eating up most of the salary space and they are preparing a huge cap space once Hassan Whiteside hits free agency next season.
Coach Erik Spoelstra hinted a few months ago that Chalmers and Chris Andersen are indeed on the trading block and it will be hard for them to part ways with both players who have been vital to their success.
"Our owner and our president are committed to doing whatever it takes to win in this league. Whatever gives us the best chance to attack those expectations, we're going to do it," Spoelstra said via Heat Zone.
"We know what they can do, versus the unknown, and we also care about them. I care about Rio. I've coached Rio for eight years. You develop a relationship with him," Spoelstra referring to Mario Chalmers.
