The Miami Heat aren't exactly in need of immediate trades but such could save them the trouble if they fail to lock in their shot-blocking demon, Hassan Whiteside.
Whiteside has risen to an All-Star level that undoubtedly assures him of a maximum payday. But the real question is on whether or not the Heat will give him one.
Giving Whiteside a max deal eats up most of the team's salary budget which could mean some players may have to be let go. Dwyane Wade is included in that mix and everyone knows the 34-year-old cager is looking for a deal that will secure him as he reaches the twilight of his career.
The easy money points to the Heat retaining Whiteside and likely losing Wade. But all those will be seen once this season is over. But is it feasible?
While Heat president Pat Riley says that Whiteside is off the market, there could be changes in the event he sees Whiteside likely walking. But where?
The Heat will likely go after a center to fill in the slot but their options are limited right now. Whiteside is receiving less than a million in wages so a direct swap is out of the question. The team is also way over the salary cap limit, about $21 million over more or less.
Hence, a trade right now seems unlikely given those factors, and the best time for the Heat to do the tweaks is by the offseason. And that promises to be an interesting one considering multiple teams are likely to pitch something lucrative to Whiteside.
And if the Heat do succeed, it could be the end of the Wade era. The only way the Heat can keep both is if Whiteside and Wade agree to a pay cut. Whiteside could agree but the case of Wade will be interesting.
Wade stressed before that he had long sacrificed for the club and it was about time he got his proper due. He stood up for that before this season, but eventually went back on his word. Will he be at it again?
