Heat not Interested in Houston's Ryan Anderson

The Miami Heat is not interested in trading for Houston Rockets forward Ryan Anderson. The Rockets remain intent on unloading Anderson’s bloated contract, but Miami is not a realistic destination for the 30-year-old who will earn $20 million next season and close to $21 million in 2019-20.

According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Heat does not want to take on Anderson’s contract because it would increase its luxury tax bill.

The Rockets are having difficulty trading Ryan Anderson. (Carlos Osario/AP)

The Rockets would like to acquire Tyler Johnson—a player Miami has attempted to trade away, but to no avail because of his hefty contract—in a swap for Anderson that would likely include a draft pick being sent to the Heat. But this not a deal that is “appealing” to Miami, says Jackson.

The Heat does not intend to deal James Johnson—another player Houston has inquired about in a potential trade—because it “values his skill set.”

It will be a challenge for Houston to find a suitor for the sharpshooting Anderson. His horrific defense, most notably on the perimeter in the pick-and-roll, has made him nearly unplayable as he fell out of the rotation in the playoffs. He did not receive playing time in six of the Rockets’ 17 postseason games. He averaged just 5.8 minutes and 1.7 points per playoff contest.

Fresh off their 65-win season, the Rockets seek to augment their second-unit. The reserves could get a boost from Carmelo Anthony if he accepts a role off the bench, something Houston has reportedly discussed with the 10-time All-Star. Anthony is also defensively limited, but even he can produce better on that end of the floor than Anderson, an untradable asset that is destined to remain glued to Houston' bench.