Mario Chalmers would have been long gone had the Miami Heat found a suitable trade partner as early as the offseason.
With the regular season underway, Chalmers is still on the roster but has apparently been displaced with the long-term signing of Goran Dragić plus the entry of two younger guards in Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson.
However, Chalmers could soon be on the move with reports that the Memphis Grizzlies are now in talks with the Miami Heat in a possible deal that could see the 29-year-old point guard suit up for the Grizzlies soon.
The Grizzlies have been struggling throughout their first four games, two of them blowout losses at that. Could adding a tested veteran guard like Chalmers bring some order for the Grizzlies?
Before looking forward, there are money matters to address.
Chalmers is set to earn $4.3 million this season and for a trade to work, the Grizzlies may have to give up some personnel for him. Beno Udrih is mentioned as a possible player for the swap, but the problem is Udrih earns only $2.2 million.
If Udrih's salary becomes an obstacle, the Grizzlies have two other players that they could offer instead — Matt Barnes or Vince Carter.
As far as Chalmers is concerned, he was a bit surprised with the news since he was not informed of any ongoing transaction but did add that he understood the business.
For his part, a change in environment could be good for Chalmers as it could give him another opportunity to show that he still has what it takes to survive in the NBA.
He was part of two NBA championships squads and the experience alone makes him stand out above other potential free agents the Grizzlies could consider.
All that remains now is the numbers game and hopefully the Grizzlies and the Heat can come up with something amenable to both.
