To date, there are still no takers for Mario Chalmers, although the Miami Heat are not in a hurry to deal the veteran guard.
Apparently Miami wants to get something out of it, something perhaps like future draft picks or even a player with lesser cost and maybe some money considerations on the side.
With the signing of Goran Dragić and the return of Dwyane Wade, Chalmers could be a hefty guard off the bench if the Heat opt to keep him. And seeing that the club would do well to trim down their salary budget and avoid the dreaded luxury tax, it may only be a matter of time until the Heat would find a suitable trade partner for Chalmers.
Chalmers is one of the players the Heat have placed on the block. Shabazz Napier used to be another, but the sophomore guard is now with the Orlando Magic.
Unloading Napier's contract hardly made an impact if you compare it with that of Chalmers', although each penny saved is good for the Heat right now.
Another player who could end up retiring if there are no takers is Chris Andersen. At 37 and with a hefty $5 million contract, and considering that the Heat has a ton of center/forwards in the lineup, Andersen could be excess baggage that could save the Heat a lot of money.
The problem is, no one seems to be willing to take in the energetic player; so retirement could be a possibility if the Heat opt to waive him.
Chalmers is set to make $4.3 million for the coming season. Add that salary with Andersen's and the Heat could save up to $9.3 million. The figures may not be that dramatic, but it could help bring down the salary budget the Heat have to deal with.
Right now, the Heat are $6.2 million above the tax threshold and are in danger or being penalized as a repeat-offender.
