The Miami Heat need to make big moves in order to become a title contender again or at least become a threat to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the East. Early in the 2017-18 NBA season, the Heat are now being mentioned in trade rumors.
Hassan Whiteside’s name is now floating around in trade talks. Before the season started, Justise Winslow was also tagged as a possible trade chip for Miami before the February 8 deadline.
Is Hassan Whiteside on the trading block?
ESPN writer Jackie MacMullan fueled talks about a Whiteside trade. She said that the Heat have tried to move the 28-year-old center “everywhere” in the past.
However, MacMullan did not clarify when the trade attempts happened. According to CBS Sports, the Heat tried to make a trade before last season's trade deadline, making every player available, including Whiteside.
Trade talks involving Whiteside were also rampant during the final year of his previous contract in the 2015-16 NBA season. Whiteside became a free agent after that season, but he agreed to a four-year contract worth $98.42 million with the Heat.
Blog Sir Charles In Charge noted that the recent trade talks involving Whiteside do make sense. The former second-round pick could become dispensable depending on what direction the Heat will go. He has the characteristics of traditional big men, which is becoming less important in the league today.
It was also pointed out that Heat president Pat Riley is no stranger to pulling off surprising deals. Riley is known for making moves that will make the team better, even if it means giving up their biggest assets.
However, it remains to be seen whether or not the Heat will really trade their starting center. In their season opener, Whiteside had a huge game, as he finished with 26 points and 22 rebounds.
It was not enough, though, as the Orlando Magic took a 116-109 victory over their state rival.
Justise Winslow could be used as a trade chip
Meanwhile, Heat forward Justise Winslow is also expected to be tagged in trade rumors in the coming months. The talks about a possible trade involving the 21-year-old started when ESPN insider Zach Lowe predicted that Miami will dangle the former Duke University standout in trade talks.
The Heat might decide to shed salary to avoid a huge tax bill next year. In the process, Lowe pointed out that Winslow might be packaged with a player who has a huge contract in a trade.
Teams are expected to consider giving up valuable assets for Winslow, who is projected to become a solid two-way player in the future. However, it should be noted that he was limited to 18 games last season due to a shoulder injury, where he averaged 10.9 points to go along with 5.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists.
