NBA Trade Rumors: Miami Heat Trading Mario Chalmers Because of $4.3M Salary? [Rumors]

While players from different NBA teams are taking a rest after a great season last year, the rumor mill is buzzing with trade speculations and apparently, heads will start rolling as money issues surface as the main conflict.

First on the chopping block is the Miami Heat. According to Palm Beach Post, rumor has it that veteran reserves Chris Andersen and Mario Chalmers are taking a big hit on the team's budget with their rumored combined salary of $30 million, inclusive of taxes.

Pat Riley, head coach of the Heat, will definitely have to decide whether he can afford to keep the two or will he risk trading them to LeBron James' team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Eastern Conference champion will be their opponent if they wish to bag a championship ring this season so it is less likely that Riley will decide on that trade off just yet. It wouldn't be wise to make their opponent's team better than them.

Or, a better option for the Heat is to wait what the Cavaliers will do with Brendan Haywood, who is reported to have a lower contract demand of $10.5 million.

However, another speculation from the Bleacher Report is circulating that the definite players on the trading post are Shabazz Napier and, surprisingly, Mario Chalmers again. This time, the source is from an NBA team general manager who pointedly states that Chalmers is to be traded due to his $4.3 million salary.

Napier is on the chopping block because he has not done his part as a rookie for the Heat, but the baller remains positive that despite the rumors, he has a year of playing the game, and his experience can still help him hone his skills further with the team.

Kpop Starz adds fuel to the Chalmers trade rumors, blaming tax hit for the move. Miami Herald's Barry Jackson explains that if Chalmers makes it to training this season with the Heat, then his $4.3 million salary may impose a heavier tax bill on the team which may cost three times that amount.

Possible taker for the Chalmers trade off may be Houston Rockets, whose recent acquisition of point guard Ty Lawson may bring the team wonderful wins this year. With Chalmers and Lawson on board, the team will be looking forward to a stellar offense performance especially if you add in Patrick Beverley, who will be coming from the bench.