The Miami Heat seem like prime candidates for a fire sale. The team is spiraling with an 11-28 record, have their own first round pick, and have players that other teams could deem valuable.
While ESPN’s Zach Lowe recently stated on a podcast that everyone is available to be traded in Miami, the Heat don’t particularly agree. According to Manny Navarro of the Miami Herald, center Hassan Whiteside is not being shopped:
Shopping is one thing and listening to offers is another, and a Heat spokesman made it clear Tuesday night Miami isn’t actively looking to trade it’s $98 million center.
The wording of this new report doesn’t necessarily conflict what Lowe initially said. It shouldn’t come as a shock that the Heat aren’t initiating trade talks for Whiteside after signing him to a max deal this summer. But the report does not say that he is untouchable and the right offer could still pry the shot-blocker away from Miami.
The question is what team could use Whiteside in its ranks? The Blazers have been woeful on defense and need a shot blocker to erase perimeter mistakes. The Celtics have had trouble corralling rebounds. Beyond those two teams, I don’t see anyone giving up assets to trade for the controversial (on the court) big man.
For his part, Hassan Whiteside does not seem bothered by the rumors:
“I never really pay attention to [trade rumors]. If I pay attention to it I wouldn’t be back in the league. There’s all kinds of rumors. A lot of people said a lot of things so I wouldn’t get back in the league. So, I don’t pay it no mind.”
And he probably doesn’t need to worry. But it’s not a total certainty that he will be in Miami going forward either.
