Hassan Whiteside looks to be one of the most coveted free agents this summer. The Miami Heat center has burst onto the stage as one of the league’s best rim protectors the past two years.
As the Miami Heat do not own Whiteside’s Bird Rights, the big man seems to be one of the most attainable star free agents. Whiteside has claimed he wants to make a decision quickly, and according to Adrian Wojnarowski of the Vertical, he has already set his focus on two teams in particular.
Sources: As 12:01 AM nears, free agent Hassan Whiteside's focus is centered on Miami and Dallas. Decision could come quickly on July 1.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) June 30, 2016
This does not necessarily mean that Whiteside will choose between those two franchises, but that appears to be where he is leaning.
The Heat are the incumbent but with the team’s focus on getting a meeting with Kevin Durant, they may be too cap straddled to offer a full max contract. The Mavs meanwhile seem to be all in on getting Whiteside and Mike Conley to Dallas and seem to have a great chance at at least half of that equation.
Anything could change from now until midnight and beyond. But it now appears that there is a two man race for the services of Hassan Whiteside.
UPDATE:
The Dallas Mavericks appear to be in the driver’s seat for Hassan Whiteside’s services, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical on Yahoo! Sports.
Sources on @TheVertical. Dallas Mavericks emerging as a frontrunner for Miami free agent center Hassan Whiteside. Heat's lost ground on him.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) July 1, 2016
