Chris Andersen Is Most Likely Miami Heat Player To Be Traded

July 23, 2015: Kim Klement; Chris Andersen
Kim Klement- USA Today Sports

With training camp approaching fast, the Miami Heat have some decisions to make in regards to their final 15-man roster, which can initially start at 20 players once camp starts. The Heat currently have a logjam situation in their frontcourt rotation, with Chris Bosh, Hassan Whiteside, Josh McRoberts, Udonis Haslem, Chris Andersen and newly signed Amare Stoudemire all in the fold.

Looking at the Heat’s current roster, it becomes glaringly apparent which player should be traded. That player would be none other than the “Birdman”, Chris Andersen. The 13-year veteran center is due over $5 million from the Heat this upcoming season and is currently one of the highest paid frontcourt players for the Heat outside Bosh and McRoberts.

The financial ramifications of retaining Andersen this season could result in the Heat paying much more than just the $5 million he is owed. The tax penalty could really slam the Heat organization this year, and with such depth in the frontcourt currently, it only makes sense to get rid of one of the backup players.

Andersen is still one of the most effective backup centers in the league and is still considered one of the league’s premier rim protectors. There are plenty of NBA teams looking to bolster their frontcourt with that exact type of player, and with Andersen’s contract set to expire after this season, a team might be wise to take on such a financial gamble.

Andersen has averaged 5.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game for the Heat over the last three seasons and was crucial for the team winning their second title in 2013. Alas, times are changing and the Heat now have enough support in the frontcourt to fill the void in the paint should Andersen be traded. It looks like the Birdman will be taking flight to a new NBA franchise very soon.

Jared Doyle is a Miami Heat writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @outofboundsjay, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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