The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers are expected to give the Miami Heat a run for its money at obtaining shot-blocking center Hassan Whiteside this July, according to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders:
The narrative around Whiteside has been that he’d like to stay in Miami. He’s comfortable there, has had success there and they can pay him the most money of any team in the league. Assuming that’s the offer from the HEAT, there is a better than average chance he signs a new deal. If the HEAT try to play games, sources close to the situation say Whiteside will go shopping.
There is a sense that Whiteside is one of the top names on the Lakers’ wish list of free agents, with the Celtics also interested. The problem with trying to peg either as having some edge over the other neglects that Whiteside could be the most obtainable free agent in the class and likely gets a lot of interest beyond those two suitors.
The Celtics, Lakers, and Heat all have the available money to sign a big-name free agent in July. All three known interested teams have their advantages: Boston and Los Angeles, two franchises known for having a rich history of successful big men such as Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kevin Garnett, provide two proven championship environments and a “top player” spot screaming Whiteside’s name. He’d be the focal point on those two teams. Both potential scenarios will certainly pique the interest of Whiteside in just three weeks.
Miami, on the other hand, has its own unique advantage. While they too provide a championship culture, they have something the Celtics and Lakers do not: Experience working with Hassan.
Whiteside, who has already built several close relationships with teammates Dwyane Wade, Udonis Haslem, Gerald Green, and others, will have a tough time deciding against returning to play with the Heat. The countless amount of hours Whiteside has spent with Alonzo Mourning, Juwan Howard, and Erik Spoelstra will be factored into the final decision, as well. Is it worth throwing that all away?
Depending on what Whiteside is seeking, it may be worth it.
The Heat, who are expected to offer Hassan Whiteside less than a max deal at first, will likely witness their plans of retaining Hassan crumble if they continue “playing games”, as Kyler noted.
Regardless, Hassan Whiteside will sign a max contract with a team this July, sources told Steve Kyler:
League sources said this weekend that Whiteside is getting a full max deal – the question is will it be from the HEAT or someone else?
Hassan Whiteside turns 27 next Monday. Should he sign a lucrative multi-year deal as expected, this could be the first — and last — major long-term deal he signs.
After averaging 14.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.7 blocks, and shooting 61% per game this season with the Heat, Whiteside should command nothing less than a maximum salary contract. In his eyes, any team not willing to offer this salary isn’t worth his services.
July should be an interesting month.
