The Miami Heat is not yet done with its trading wheels, and looks like it will ship out its heavily tattooed center Chris "Birdman" Andersen if someone wants to make a deal. Many speculate that the move to trade Andersen is to help the Heat reduce its tax burden, but that won't be an easy feat for Heat, the Miami Herald reports.
According to the Christian Post, the Heat organization is currently $7.8 million above the tax line. If they manage to let go of Andersen, who earns $5 million this season, the Heat will significantly lessen their tax problem and will have more financial space they need to acquire younger talents or more established stars in the future.
As Chris Bosh returns to active duty, the Miami Heat has an over-abundance of talented big men that includes Amar'e Stoudemire and Udonis Haslem. Bosh's return to the field effectively sent Andersen to the trading block.
The Sports World Report reveals that the plan is for the Heat to include Andersen with newly acquired players from the Memphis Grizzlies Beno Udrih and Jarnell Stokes following a Mario Chalmers and James Ennis trade. That said, Miami is reportedly not optimistic that it will be able to land a deal for Andersen at this point.
Miami Heat President and former head coach Pat Riley believes that what they have right now is a great mix of talented individuals but far from the championship caliber team that they once fielded two years ago.
"We can talk about going back to all the moving parts with this team, and the transition from a championship team to where we are today. I think it's a good mix right now. We'll see how it plays out over the next 20 or 30 games."
Andersen, known for his brightly colored tattoos, Mohawk haircut, and trademark hustle, joined the Miami Heat in 2013 after head coach Erik Spoelstra repeatedly engaged the management to acquire him. Andersen was an essential piece for the Heat during that season en route to his first NBA Finals appearance and championship.