Hassan Whiteside has emerged as one of the team’s top players and among the best defensive centers in the league, but money is a problem with the 26-year-old set to hit the free agent market after the 2015-16 season.
The former second round pick of Sacramento has burst onto the scene, averaging nearly 12 points and 10 rebounds per game last season and the young big man is on pace to surpass those numbers with another solid season this year, but his biggest asset is in the paint where the seven-footer is averaging an amazing four block shots in just 27 minutes of action each night.
Joel Brigham of Basketball Insiders has suggested a trade now could help Miami, not only on the court, but also with the financial situation. The deal would have Whiteside and Josh McRoberts headed to Dallas and in return, the Mavericks would send Dwight Powell and Zaza Pachulia to South Beach.
The former Marshall star is taking the talk in stride, but it’s very possible that he could play for his third team in just his four years in the league.
This move would keep Miami competitive and allow the front office to add a mid-level free agent over the summer, but the real winner is the Mavs, who would land the defensive player they need and a player they could build around with Dirk Nowitzki now entering the end of his stellar career.
It’s not often a trade would benefit both sides, especially when it comes to money, but this move would give both teams a shot at winning in the 2016-17 NBA season and fill needs for both squads, even if it is a short-term fix for the Heat.
