Despite rumors recently surfacing that Houston Rockets big man Ryan Anderson was drawing some interest from the Miami Heat, it appears that no deal will come to fruition.
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Heat may be looking elsewhere for a stretch four.
“Both USA Today and ESPN have floated the idea of Houston trading Anderson and a draft pick to Miami for Tyler Johnson or James Johnson,” writes Jackson. “But while that would appear to interest the Rockets, it’s not something the Heat has found appealing.”
The report states that the main stumbling block is Anderson's current contract. In 2016, the 6-foot-10 forward/center put to pen to paper on a four-year, $80 million with the Rockets.
“Acquiring Anderson would increase Miami’s luxury tax bill, because Tyler Johnson is making $19.2 million each of the next two years compared with $20.4 million and $21.3 million for Anderson,” adds Jackson.
For their part, the Rockets are currently looking at a significant luxury tax tab this season. The $90 million extension of Clint Capela is the latest addition to one of the largest payrolls in the league. The recent acquisition of Carmelo Anthony sheds some light on why the Rockets may want to move Anderson.
As for the Heat, they too are in a bit of a financial dilemma. Hassan Whiteside is owed $25.4 million this season, while both Gordan Dragic and Tyler Johnson will earn close to $20 million a piece. Morover, James Johnson will be paid $14.6 million this term, while Dion Waiters, Kelly Olynyk, and Josh Richardson's salaries this season combine for $31.9 million.
Given this conundrum, it would be understandable if Miami opt to stand pat and work with the team they currently have.
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