Mario Chalmers taking trade rumors in stride

As the season came to a close many believed Mario Chalmers' time with the Miami Heat was at an end. Despite being thrown into a new role as a backup shooting guard last season, Chalmers was inconsistent and stuck in what seemed to be a never ending shooting slump. However, with both Shabazz Napier and Norris Cole gone from Miami, Chalmers has become the only suitable backup point guard on the Heat and thus nearly un-tradeable - at least in my opinion. With that being the case, I would be surprised if Chalmers was gone from the Heat once the season debuts and in the meantime it seems like he's taking the trade rumors with a grain of salt.

Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel reports that Chalmers isn't stressing about the rumors, where he explains that Pat Riley was only going trade him if absolutely necessary saying:

"Just see what happens," "I haven't spoken to anybody. When I had my exit meeting with Pat [Riley], he said the only way he would trade me was if he had to."

Chalmers went on to reveal that although he's taking everything in stride, the rumors still bother him explaining:

"I mean it's kind of tough just hearing all the rumors and stuff,"  "But you know, that's what it was, was just rumors. I've just got to keep focusing on my game and keep my mind straight and keep fighting through it."

Chalmers also admitted that while he is aware of the tax implications that surround him, Pat Riley didn't mention them and he hasn't heard anything regarding that matter since. Chalmers explained that he is looking forward to next season (his eighth with Miami), how he plans to embrace a new role, saying:

"Get a better understanding of what he's going to need from me and want from me this season, and go from there."

He also elaborated on his constantly changing role, explaining that it doesn't phase him as he's the type of player that will do whatever he can to help his team win. Chalmers went on to mention his past successes with Miami explaining:

"People forget about what you do and what you have done," "So I'm the type of person, I don't worry about that. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, it doesn't. And I have one goal, and that's to work on me."

Though often overlooked, Chalmers is an experienced point guard with a championship pedigree and one familiar with the Heat culture. I fully expect 'Rio to be with Miami once the season begins, but like him we'll just have to wait to see if any decisions regarding his future our made in the next couple of months.