Hassan Whiteside is the Heat’s franchise player.
But Miami is also 11-30, and Heat president Pat Riley has acknowledged a need to rebuild.
Where does that leave Whiteside with a potential trade?
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald:
Should say: In response to an ESPN report that Hassan Whiteside is available in trade talks,a HEAT spokesperson said Whiteside not available
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) January 11, 2017
This is likely based on the Heat’s understanding of the trade market. If another team offered a favorable return for Whiteside, I bet Miami would trade him in an instant. The Heat just haven’t gotten – and seemingly don’t expect – a suitable offer.
Whiteside gives Miami a starting point. It will be more difficult to build through free agency with the new Collective Bargaining Agreement giving greater incentive for stars to stay with their current teams, but what choice do the Heat have but to try? They can still offer a state without income tax, warm weather, nightlife, a winning history and – if they keep Whiteside – a star teammate.
Goran Dragic is the Miami player more likely to be traded.
