The Miami Heat has officially traded its guard Mario Chalmers to the Memphis Grizzlies. Aside from him, the swap also involved the Heat's forward James Ennis in exchange of the Grizzlies guard Beno Udrih and forward Jarnell Stokes.
Chalmers took to Twitter to announce his departure, saying, "It has been a tremendous honor and privilege to be a part of the Miami Heat championship family for more than 7 seasons."
The Grizzlies bet on reliving Chalmers' 3-point shot, while the Heat is targeting for a cut down in their tax bill.
In a statement, Miami Heat president Pat Riley admitted that the day of trading Chalmers and Ennis was tough for him and the organization. He said Chalmers was part of their two championships and described Ennis as a solid young player.
However, Riley said "it is part of the business, and it was a move necessary to make because of our crowded backcourt." He added that they felt the trade deal was in the best interest of Chalmers, and that they wanted him to be successful and be a part of a good team.
The deal is expected to save roughly $6 million in tax payments for the Heat.
"Rio can hold his head high, leaving on a great note here," said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra. "He'll always be remembered as a two-time champion point guard here in Miami [and] welcomed in Miami from here on out."
After the departure of Chalmers from the Heat, only four players remain from the Miami's latest title in 2013 namely, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Udonis Haslem and Andersen, ESPN wrote.
A report from Sporting News said that Chalmers has been a good point guard on two championships with the Heat, but with the shifting of the roster around him, he has to be traded to the Grizzlies.
Chalmers averaged career-lows with 5.5 points and 20.0 minutes in six games this season. With the acquisition of point guard Goran Dragic last year, the team found Chalmers' role superfluous and his $4.3 million contract too expensive for the Heat.
