Greg Oden Signing Could Put Joel Anthony on Trade Block


With Greg Oden accepting the veteran’s minimum, the Heat are on course to pay $19 million in luxury taxes this season. The Sun-Sentinel speculates that the Heat may now look to move Joel Anthony’s contract, which has two years and $7.6 million remaining: “With the addition of Oden, it is possible the Heat now look to move Anthony’s contract, which has two seasons remaining, as a means of reducing their luxury-tax bill, having recently released swingman Mike Miller under the amnesty provision due to such concerns. In addition, Varnado’s contract does not become partially guaranteed until opening night. Because of the Heat’s position against the NBA’s luxury tax, Oden’s contract will cost the Heat roughly $2.6 million this coming season. With Oden accepting the veteran’s minimum, it leaves the Heat in position to still spend their $3.2 million taxpayer mid-level exception any time through the end of the season. The Heat, however, currently are on course for a $19 million luxury-tax payment to the NBA at season’s end.”