The Memphis Grizzlies are off to a 2-2 start to this season, which seems fine, but their two wins came against teams that aren't expected to make the playoffs, and their two losses were by 30 points and 50 points. It is still early, and the Grizzlies still figure to be in the mix in the Western Conference, but they are already looking at improving their roster. It is being reported that the Grizzlies are discussing trading for Miami Heat point guard Mario Chalmers, according to Marc Stein of ESPN.
Stein reports that no trade is imminent between the two sides but that they have had preliminary talks about a potential deal. The Heat are trying to get under the luxury tax line, and because of that Chalmers is one of a few players they had on the trading block through the entire offseason. Chalmers is currently Miami's backup point guard and is off to a solid start this season, as he is averaging 6.7 points and 3.0 assists through three games in only 18 minutes per game. If Miami were to trade Chalmers, they would be comfortable going with Goran Dragic as their starter and Tyler Johnson as the backup.
For Memphis, the idea of trading for Chalmers is a little bit curious as it doesn't really have a pressing need for a point guard. Mike Conley is the starter and is playing well, and Beno Udrih is the backup and he has also gotten off to a solid start this season. Behind both of them they also have Russ Smith, who they would like to give a chance to.
The probable reasons for the Grizzlies' interest in Chalmers are his championship experience and his shooting ability. The Grizzlies as a team are not very good three-point shooters, as they are only shooting 27 percent from three so far this season. Chalmers would help that, as he is a career 36 percent shooter from three.
Chalmers is in the final year of a two-year contract he signed with Miami and is making $4.3 million this season. As mentioned before, a deal is not imminent, but it could make some sense for both sides to get the deal done, although Chalmers would likely see some time as a shooting guard in Memphis. The Heat would likely not be getting much back if a trade were to occur - this would strictly be a salary dump for them.
