BACKUP POINT-MEN CHALMERS, UDRIH HIGHLIGHT MEMPHIS-MIAMI SWAP
The Miami Heat acquired combo guard Beno Udrih and power forward/center Jarnell Stokes from the Memphis Grizzlies for combo guard Mario Chalmers and wing player James Ennis.
What does it give the Miami Heat
Udrih is an underrated, quality veteran who has proven he can start at either guard spot if needed; and Stokes is an underrated, bruising post player who has the potential to push for a starting gig a few years down the road. All that said, saving money is the key to this deal for the Heat. By getting Chalmers and Ennis off the books Miami saves roughly $6 million in salary luxury tax they would have been in line to pay to the NBA. Additionally, Stokes brings an infusion of much-needed youth to the Heat's future post rotation.
What does it give the Memphis Grizzlies
Moving Udrih for Chalmers lets the Grizz accomplish one significant goal: getting a bit younger with its core group. Chalmers is a proven winner and has shown--like Udrih--he can start at either backcourt spot if needed. Meanwhile Ennis is a bit more NBA-ready and proven than Stokes, so provides additional ready youth and energy to an overall-aging contender.
Fantasy impact
It's unlikely there will be much fantasy fallout (in the short term, anyway) from this deal, since none of the four players involved appears poised for a change in playing time. Chalmers and Udrih both likely continue on as top backups at point guard, while Stokes and Ennis likely remain at the ends of their respective teams' benches. Longer-term though, look for this deal to help several younger players: guards Tyler Johnson and Josh Richardson on the Heat, and guard Russ Smith and big man JaMychal Green on the Grizzlies. All four should see slight increases in minutes as the season progresses.
