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The Memphis Grizzlies beat the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night, and they’ve won three of their first five games this season. But they’ve been blown out by the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors in their two losses, and a trade has been discussed already.
Season’s first bit of NBA trade scuttle dribbles in: ESPN sources say Grizzlies have discussed potential deal for Miami’s Mario Chalmers
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) November 3, 2015
Chalmers was the subject of offseason trade rumors, which obviously did not come to fruition, and he has averaged just 19 minutes and 5.5 points per game in four games this season. His contract expires after the season, which adds to his potential trade value, and Miami would be on track to pay luxury tax this year if they keep Chalmers’ $4.3 million salary on their books.
The Grizzlies have Mike Conley firmly entrenched as their starting point guard, but the Commercial Appeal has suggested they could be looking to replace backup Beno Udrih. Stein has offered the possibility that Udrih could be included in a trade for Chalmers, but his salary for this season ($2.2 million) is roughly half of what Chalmers is making and that makes a 1-for-1 deal impossible for salary matching purposes.
Stein reported Tuesday afternoon that a deal between the Memphis and Miami involving Chalmers in not necessarily imminent, but the move makes too much sense from both sides to not happen eventually. Chalmers would be an upgrade to the Grizzlies’ bench, with playoff experience as an extra point in his favor, and it seems clear that the Heat have little use for him at this point in the season.
Brad Berreman is a Senior Writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter.
